Lamivudine is antiviral used to treat or prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body. HIV is a virus which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life threatening infections. Infection with HIV can occur by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, or breast milk. The four major routes of transmission are unprotected sexual intercourse, contaminated needles, and transmission from an infected mother to her baby at birth, or breast milk.
Lamivudine is not a cure of HIV or AIDS, but helps to keep it under control. It can also be used for other purposes. Lamivudine HBV is used to treat chronic hepatitis B, but should not be used in anyone that is infected with both hepatitis B and HIV.
Lamivudine may cause some side effects such as cough, insomnia, strange dreams, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint or muscle pain, dizziness, headache, tired feeling, or changes in the shape or location of body fat. It can also cause some serious side effects, if you notice any of these signs you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. The possible side effects include nausea, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, muscle pain or weakness, numbness of arms and legs, trouble breathing, pale skin, sores inside of mouth or on the lips, and flu symptoms. There may also be other side effects not noted above.