Indications HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs

Cautions: Chronic Hepatitis B or C; hepatic or renal impairment; pregnancy; Recurrent hepatitis in patients with chronic hepatitis B may occur on discontinuation of lamivudine. When treating chronic hepatitis B with lamivudine, monitor liver function tests at least every 3 months and serological markers of hepatitis B every 6 months, more frequently in patients with advanced liver disease or following transplantation (monitoring to continue after discontinuation)

Contra-indications: Breast feeding

Side Effects: gastro-intestinal disturbances (such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhoea), anorexia, pancreatitis, liver damage, dyspnea, cough, headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, blood disorders (including anaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia), myalgia, arthralgia, rash, urticaria, and fever, peripheral neuropathy, muscle disorders including rhabdomyolysis, nasal symptoms, alopecia.

Dose: 150 mg every 12 hours or 300 mg once daily; child 3 months–12 years, 4 mg/kg every 12 hours; max. 300 mg daily