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Lamivudine is a medication used to treat HIV and hepatitis B. It is crucial to understand the potential risks and precautions associated with its use to ensure safe and effective treatment. Here are some important safety considerations:

• HIV and Hepatitis B Co-Infection: If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, do not use the hepatitis B version (Epivir HBV) to treat your infections, as its dosage is insufficient for HIV treatment. This could lead to the development of drug-resistant HIV. Your healthcare provider will test for both viruses before starting treatment to ensure you receive the correct dosage.

• Liver Health and Lactic Acidosis: This medication may cause serious liver issues and lactic acidosis, a condition involving a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Women and individuals with a larger body size may be at greater risk. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function. Notify your provider immediately if you notice symptoms such as pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, dark urine, weakness, muscle pain, or breathing difficulties.

• Pancreatitis in Children: In rare instances, children taking lamivudine have experienced pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur.

• Immune Reconstitution Syndrome: While treating HIV, lamivudine can activate your immune system, potentially leading to an overactive response called immune reconstitution syndrome. This can cause your immune system to attack healthy cells. Look out for signs such as fever, pain, hair loss, bulging eyes, or excessive sweating, and report them to your healthcare provider.

• Interactions with Sorbitol: The oral solution form of lamivudine (Epivir) may interact with sorbitol, common in other antiretroviral solutions, reducing its effectiveness. If your child weighs at least 14 kg (30 pounds), consider using tablets instead. If the oral solution is necessary, more frequent blood tests will be needed to monitor the drug's effectiveness.

• Stopping Medication: If you have hepatitis B along with HIV, stopping lamivudine can worsen hepatitis symptoms significantly. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing use, and your liver function will be monitored for several months after stopping the medication.

• Emergency Actions: In case of overdose or severe adverse reactions, seek immediate medical assistance.

Ensure you discuss any concerns or questions about lamivudine with your healthcare provider to manage your treatment effectively.

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience common side effects such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, runny nose, congestion, cough, diarrhea, nerve pain, muscle pain, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are generally mild and often resolve on their own, but if they persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Less commonly, individuals may also experience fever, chills, lack of appetite, dizziness, indigestion, skin rashes, and feelings of depression.

While most side effects are not serious, there are some that require immediate medical attention. Rare but severe liver problems can occur, characterized by persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, right-side stomach pain, jaundice, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Another serious condition is lactic acidosis, which involves an excessive buildup of lactic acid in the blood, leading to symptoms such as extreme weakness, fatigue, fast and shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.

Additionally, as the immune system strengthens, it may reactivate previous infections, causing symptoms to reappear or become more pronounced. This may result in unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, persistent muscle aches, severe headaches, and other symptoms like numbness, vision changes, and signs of infection. In rare instances, an overactive thyroid or Guillain-Barre syndrome may develop, impacting coordination and muscle function.

Lastly, a severe allergic reaction to this medication is rare but serious. Symptoms could include a rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing, necessitating immediate medical intervention. While this summary provides an overview of potential side effects, it is not exhaustive. Always reach out to a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms.