3tc

Common Name: lamivudine (for HIV)

How does 3tc work?

Lamivudine is used in combination with other medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine is one of a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. Lamivudine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly. Lamivudine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It does slow further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications, and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use 3tc?

The recommended dose for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older is 150 mg twice daily, taken with other antiretroviral medications. For adults weighing less than 50 kg, the dose of lamivudine is determined by body weight (i.e., usually 2 mg/kg) taken twice daily with other antiretroviral medications. Doses for children between the age of three months up to 12 years are based on age and body weight, as calculated by the doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. The effectiveness of the medication depends on there being the right amount of lamivudine in the bloodstream. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up on doses. Do not stop taking this medication without telling your doctor. If you forget many doses in a row, talk to your doctor about how to resume dosing. If you are taking the liquid suspension, use a measuring spoon or measuring syringe that is marked for accurate dosing.

What form(s) does 3tc come in?

3TC®is available as an oral solution and in tablet form. Oral solution: Each mL of colourless-to-pale-yellow, strawberry-banana flavoured, clear liquid contains lamivudine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial strawberry and banana flavours, citric acid (anhydrous), hydrochloric acid, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium citrate (dihydrate), sodium hydroxide, sucrose, and water. Tablets: Each, white, modified diamond-shaped, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "GX CJ7" on one face, contains lamivudine 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with 3tc?

Lamivudine should not be taken by anyone with a history of significant sensitivity or allergic reactions to any of the ingredients of this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for 3tc?

Diabetes: People with diabetes need to know that an adult dose of the oral (by mouth) solution of lamivudine contains 3 g of sucrose. Hepatitis B: For patients with hepatitis B, your doctor will talk to you about HIV treatment before you begin taking lamivudine. You should be aware that treatment of hepatitis B with lamivudine requires a lower dose than treatment for HIV infection. If you are taking lamivudine for hepatitis B and later learn that you have HIV, tell your doctor immediately as the lower dose treatment for hepatitis B is not effective against HIV infection. Kidneys: People with kidney disease may need a different dose than what is recommended. Be sure you tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease. Lactic acid and liver: Lamivudine can cause a condition called lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid) and serious damage to the liver. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: upset stomach loss of appetite excessive tiredness weakness dark yellow or brown urine unusual bleeding or bruising flu-like symptoms yellowing of the skin or eyes pain in the upper right part of your stomach. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to check your response to this medication. Other medical problems: The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lamivudine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have an inflamed pancreas (particularly in children), nerve damage, kidney disease, or hepatitis B. Red blood cells: Pure red cell aplasia is a rare bone marrow disorder characterized by a reduction in red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. Symptoms include pallor, weakness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and decreased blood pressure. Be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Pregnancy: Before taking this medication, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Breast-feeding: Women should not breast-feed while they are taking this medication. Children: Because the safety of lamivudine in combination with other antiretroviral medications for children less than three months of age has not been established, its use by this age group is not recommended.