Epivir (generic name: lamivudine) is a medication used to manage the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to MedlinePlus, Epivir belongs to the class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It prevents HIV from multiplying in your body and infecting your cells. Typically, the dosage for adults is 300mg daily. Avoid taking more Epivir than your doctor prescribes, or you can develop harmful side effects.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Epivir's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping and a cough. It can also cause joint or muscle pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue and changes in the distribution of your fat. Other routine side effects include diarrhea, chills, stomach problems, poor appetite and depression, according to MedlinePlus. These symptoms are typically harmless, but you should call your doctor if these symptoms worsen.
Dangerous Side Effects
MedlinePlus warns that Epivir can cause dangerous side effects, including fever, muscle pain, stomach pain (in children) and vomiting (in children). It can also cause numbness, tingling and burning of your toes or fingers.
Epivir can provoke liver damage and cause such symptoms as low fever, dark urine, jaundice, low fever, stomach pain and clay-colored stools, according to Drugs.com.
It can also cause lactic acidosis, a condition of increased lactic acid in the body. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include muscle pain, trouble breathing, tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or an arrythmia (irregular heart rhythm).
Epivir can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is characterized by such symptoms as stomach pain that radiates to your back, a fast heart rate and nausea and vomiting.
Other dangerous side effects include easy bruising, fevers, body aches and chills.
Additional Concerns
Avoid taking Epivir if you are allergic to its ingredients. Anaphylactic reactions can occur. Symptoms include trouble breathing and swelling of your face, throat or lips.
The National Library of Medicine recommends you not breastfeed, as HIV and Epivir can pass into breast milk.
Drugs.com says that you should tell your doctor if you are taking interferon-alfa, trimethoprim or ribavarin. These medications can interact with Epivir and cause the aforementioned dangerous side effects.
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