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Epivir HBV
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Epivir HBV

Generic name:lamivudinela-MIV-ue-deen ]
Brand names: Epivir, Epivir HBV
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 6, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Epivir HBV?

Epivir HBV is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus from multiplying in your body.

Epivir is for treating HIV in adults and children at least 3 months old. HIV is the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Epivir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Epivir-HBV is for treating hepatitis B in adults and children at least 2 years old. Epivir-HBV should not be used in people who are infected with both hepatitis B and HIV.

Epivir HBV may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also take other medicine that contains Epivir HBV or emtricitabine.

Epivir HBV can cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using Epivir HBV. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.

The hepatitis B virus may become resistant to treatment while you are taking Epivir-HBV. Resistant hepatitis B can lead to worsening liver disease or death. Tell your doctor if you have new hepatitis symptoms.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Epivir HBV if you are allergic to it.

You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also take other medicine that contains Epivir HBV or emtricitabine, which includes Atripla, Biktarvy, Cimduo, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Emtriva, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, Symfi, Triumeq, Trizivir, and Truvada.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver disease (especially hepatitis...