Univudin (Epivir)

Epivir is prescribed for treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines. Lamivudine is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Therapeutic actions:
HIV does its damage by slowly destroying the immune system, eventually leaving the body defenseless against infections. Like other drugs for HIV, Epivir interferes with the virus's ability to reproduce. This staves off the collapse of the immune system.

What is it used for?:
The Epivir brand of lamivudine is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. The Epivir-HBV brand of lamivudine is used to treat chronic hepatitis B.

Contraindications and cautions:
Epivir is contraindicated to patients that:
- are allergic to any ingredient in Epivir;
- have an enlarged liver, abnormal liver function tests, or high levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis);
- are taking zalcitabine or other medicines containing lamivudine;

Side effects:
General: Changes in body fat; chills; cough; dizziness; runny/stuffy nose; general body discomfort; headache; loss of appetite; muscle or joint pain; diarrhea; nausea; sleeplessness; indigestion; stomach cramps. Children: Abnormal breathing sounds/wheezing; cough; diarrhea; ear problems; fever; mouth inflammation; nasal discharge; nausea; stuffy nose; swollen lymph nodes; vomiting.
Serious allergic reactions (tightness in the chest; rash; itching; difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; vomiting; enlarged stomach; depression (mental or mood changes); increased heart rate; numbness, tingling, or weakening of the arms or legs; persistent sore throat, chills, or fever; unusual weakness or exhaustion; severe or persistent nausea; stomach tenderness or pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; severe muscle or joint pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Interactions:
The following medicines may interact with Epivir:
- interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron);
- trimethoprim (Bactrim, Proloprim, Septra, Trimpex); or
- ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole).