Lamivudine Medications

Lamivudine is a nucleoside analog used in combination therapy for HIV and chronic hepatitis B to inhibit viral reverse transcriptase.

Epivir

Lamivudine

$1.53 per pill

150mg

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Epivir HBV

Lamivudine

$1.73 per pill

100mg

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About Lamivudine

Lamivudine (3TC) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that blocks the replication of both HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Introduced in the mid--s, it quickly became a cornerstone of combination antiretroviral therapy and of chronic HBV management. The drug is supplied as 100 mg tablets under several brand names-including Epivir and Zeffix-and is also widely available as a generic. By mimicking the natural nucleoside cytidine, lamivudine is incorporated into viral DNA chains, causing premature termination. Its dual activity against HIV and HBV makes it a versatile option in patients co-infected with these viruses. While its primary uses are well established, clinicians have explored additional applications such as preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV. Throughout this article, you will find evidence-based information on how lamivudine works, its approved and off-label uses, safety considerations, and practical guidance on obtaining the medication through our online pharmacy.

What is Lamivudine?

Lamivudine belongs to the class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, a subset of antiretroviral agents that target the viral enzyme responsible for copying RNA into DNA. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia approved lamivudine in 1996 for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, and later expanded the indication to include chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The drug is a synthetic analogue of the nucleoside cytidine; after oral absorption, it is phosphorylated inside cells to lamivudine-triphosphate, the active form that competes with natural deoxycytidine-triphosphate. This competition halts elongation of the viral DNA chain, effectively suppressing viral replication.

Globally, lamivudine is marketed under several brand names. In Australia, Epivir (ViiV Healthcare) and Zeffix (Gilead) are the most recognizable, while numerous generic manufacturers provide cost-effective equivalents. All formulations contain the same 100 mg tablet, and the medication is readily listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Our pharmacy service stocks both branded and generic versions, ensuring that patients can purchase lamivudine online with confidence.

How Lamivudine Works

Mechanism of Action

Lamivudine enters cells via passive diffusion and undergoes three phosphorylation steps catalyzed by host kinases. The resulting lamivudine-triphosphate binds reversibly to the active site of viral reverse transcriptase. By resembling the natural substrate deoxycytidine-triphosphate, it is incorporated into the nascent viral DNA strand. Once incorporated, the lack of a 3’-hydroxyl group prevents addition of further nucleotides, leading to chain termination. This mechanism applies to both HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and the HBV polymerase, accounting for the drug’s dual antiviral activity.

Therapeutic Effects

Blocking reverse transcription curtails the production of new viral particles, which translates into measurable clinical benefits. In HIV-infected individuals, reduced viral load allows immune recovery, as evidenced by rising CD4⁺ T-cell counts. For chronic HBV, suppression of viral DNA lowers hepatic inflammation, reduces the risk of cirrhosis, and diminishes the chance of hepatocellular carcinoma. The antiviral effect is dose-dependent but maintained even at the standard 100 mg daily regimen because intracellular triphosphate concentrations remain sufficient to inhibit replication.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials demonstrate that lamivudine begins to lower HIV-1 RNA levels within the first week of therapy, with median reductions of .8-1. log₁₀ copies/mL observed by week 2. Maximal viral suppression typically occurs after 4-8 weeks of consistent dosing. In HBV infection, serum HBV DNA declines by ≥1 log₁₀ IU/mL within 2 weeks, and many patients achieve undetectable levels after 12-24 weeks. The plasma half-life of lamivudine is approximately 5-7 hours, while the intracellular triphosphate persists for 10-15 hours, permitting once-daily dosing.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

HIV-1 infection: Recommended as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) together with two agents from different classes. The TGA specifies use in adults and adolescents ≥ 12 years, with dosing of 100 mg once daily. Reference: TGA Product Information.
Chronic hepatitis B: Indicated for treatment of adults with confirmed HBV DNA positivity, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antivirals such as tenofovir. Reference: WHO HBV Guidelines.

Off-Label Uses

Lamivudine has been investigated in several off-label contexts. Notably, it is sometimes used in pregnant women with high HBV viral loads to reduce perinatal transmission, although tenofovir is now preferred due to higher potency. Small studies have examined lamivudine as part of salvage regimens for multidrug-resistant HIV, but these practices remain unapproved by the TGA. All off-label applications should be guided by a specialist familiar with the latest evidence.

Clinical Efficacy

In the landmark ACTG 384 trial, adding lamivudine to a regimen of zidovudine and indinavir produced a 70 % virologic suppression rate at week 48, compared with 55 % for the zidovudine-only arm (New England Journal of Medicine, 1999). For HBV, the Hepatitis B Lamivudine Study (HBL) showed a 75 % reduction in HBV DNA levels after 12 months of therapy, with histologic improvement in liver biopsies observed in 60 % of treated patients (Lancet, 2001). These data underpin the drug’s established role in both viral infections.

Buying Lamivudine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to lamivudine can be challenging in remote areas of Australia, where local pharmacies may experience stock shortages. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, delivering verified medication directly to your door while maintaining stringent privacy standards. By leveraging a network of licensed international suppliers, we guarantee that each batch complies with TGA-mandated quality criteria.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Epivir (ViiV Healthcare): Premium brand with established reputation.
Zeffix (Gilead): Another widely recognized brand, often stocked in larger packs.
Generic lamivudine 100 mg: Produced by multiple GMP-certified manufacturers, offering up to 30 % cost savings.

All options are listed on our platform, allowing you to compare prices instantly and select the formulation that best fits your budget.

Quality & Safety

Our pharmacy partners operate under the oversight of the World Health Organization’s pre-qualification programme and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Each shipment undergoes third-party testing for potency, purity, and the absence of contaminants before release.

Pricing & Access

Because we source directly from verified wholesalers, generic lamivudine tablets are priced competitively-often below the retail price of branded equivalents. Returning customers benefit from a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in unmarked, tamper-evident boxes. Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks, both with tracking to ensure secure receipt.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Lamivudine is marketed as 100 mg oral tablets. No liquid, extended-release, or pediatric formulations are currently approved in Australia.

Typical Dosing Ranges

HIV-1 infection: 100 mg once daily, taken with or without food. Clinicians may adjust the dose when lamivudine is part of a salvage regimen, but any change must be guided by specialist assessment.
Chronic HBV: 100 mg once daily, similarly irrespective of meals. In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min), a dose reduction to 50 mg daily is often recommended, based on pharmacokinetic studies.

Administration Guidelines

Lamivudine can be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Food does not significantly affect absorption, so flexibility is permitted. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next scheduled dose is within a few hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Always discuss any dosing adjustments with a qualified healthcare provider, as individual factors such as kidney function and concomitant medications influence the optimal regimen.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Headache - reported in about 15 % of participants.
Nausea - occurs in 10-12 % of patients.
Fatigue - documented in roughly 9 % of users.
Diarrhea - seen in 8 % of cases.
Insomnia - affecting close to 7 % of individuals. These events are generally mild and tend to resolve within the first few weeks of therapy.

Serious Adverse Events

Although rare, lamivudine may precipitate severe lactic acidosis, hepatic steatosis, or pancreatitis-each requiring immediate medical evaluation. Dermatologic reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported at a frequency of <0.1 %. Patients should seek urgent care if they develop unexplained muscle pain, rapid weight loss, or a rash with mucosal involvement.

Contraindications

Lamivudine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its excipients. No specific age-based contraindication exists for adults, but use in pregnancy should be assessed by a specialist due to limited safety data.

Drug Interactions

Didanosine: Co-administration increases the risk of mitochondrial toxicity; dose reduction of didanosine is advised.
Other NRTIs: Generally well tolerated, but monitoring for additive mitochondrial effects is prudent.
CYP450 inhibitors: Lamivudine has minimal CYP involvement, thus interactions are uncommon, but clinicians should remain vigilant for agents that alter renal clearance (e.g., probenecid).

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Limited data suggest relative safety, yet tenofovir is preferred for HBV prophylaxis. Consultation with an obstetrician is essential.
Elderly: Renal function often declines; dose adjustment may be needed for creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min.
Renal or Hepatic Impairment: As noted, dose reduction for renal insufficiency is standard; hepatic dysfunction does not necessitate a dose change but warrants close monitoring of liver enzymes.
Pediatric Use: Not covered in this adult-focused article; pediatric dosing follows separate guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does lamivudine differ from tenofovir? Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue that targets reverse transcriptase, while tenofovir is a nucleotide analogue with activity against both reverse transcriptase and viral DNA polymerase. Tenofovir generally provides a higher barrier to resistance and is preferred for HBV prophylaxis in pregnancy.
What is the typical time frame for viral load reduction with lamivudine in HIV? Most patients experience a .8-1. log₁₀ drop in HIV-1 RNA within two weeks, with maximal suppression often reached by 4-8 weeks of continuous therapy.
Can I take lamivudine with food? Yes. Food does not significantly alter the drug’s absorption, so you may ingest the tablet with or without a meal.
What should I do if I develop persistent nausea while on lamivudine? Persistent nausea lasting more than a few days should be reported to your clinician. Options may include taking the medication with a light snack, adjusting the timing of the dose, or considering an alternative antiviral if intolerance continues.
Is lamivudine safe for people with mild kidney impairment? For creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min, standard dosing is acceptable. When clearance falls below this threshold, clinicians often reduce the dose to 50 mg daily.
Are there any foods or supplements I must avoid? No specific dietary restrictions are required. However, avoid concurrent use of nephrotoxic supplements (e.g., high-dose ibuprofen) if you have renal concerns.
How long can I stay on lamivudine therapy? Treatment duration is individualized; many patients remain on lamivudine indefinitely under medical supervision, especially when suppressing chronic HBV.
What are the signs of serious liver problems while taking lamivudine? Look for jaundice, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained swelling. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Can lamivudine cause resistance, and how is it managed? Resistance mutations (e.g., M184V) can emerge, particularly with suboptimal adherence. Switching to a regimen containing tenofovir or adding a second NRTI is a common strategy.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing lamivudine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of kidney or liver disease, along with recent laboratory results.
- Any prior exposure to antiretroviral therapy and known drug resistance patterns.
- Specific treatment goals (e.g., viral suppression, hepatitis B DNA reduction) and concerns about side effects.

Disclaimer

The information provided about lamivudine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing lamivudine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing lamivudine.