3TC® Tablets for HIV-1

3TC® is lamivudine, an antiviral used with other HIV-1 treatments. This page explains key uses, dosing basics, safety, and how to access therapy through BorderFreeHealth.

For U.S. patients, we offer US shipping from Canada and options that may suit 3TC without insurance needs. You can review details below, then decide how to order and store your medicine for travel and daily use.

What 3TC Is and How It Works

3TC® belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor class. It helps block HIV’s reverse transcriptase enzyme, which the virus uses to copy its genetic material. Used with other antiretrovirals, this medicine helps lower viral load and supports immune recovery. In some regions, lamivudine is also used for chronic hepatitis B under different labeling. Follow your prescriber’s plan and the local product monograph.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

People may see the term 3TC oral tablets on prescriptions or pharmacy labels. The treatment is generally taken by mouth with or without food. Consistent dosing helps maintain steady drug levels. Your care team may pair this therapy with other agents to build a complete regimen.

Mechanistically, lamivudine is a cytidine analogue. Inside cells, it becomes an active triphosphate that competes with natural nucleosides, causing chain termination during viral DNA synthesis. This action helps suppress replication when used as part of combination therapy.

Who It’s For

This antiviral is indicated, with other HIV-1 medicines, for adults and certain pediatric patients. In some settings lamivudine is also used for hepatitis B; dosing and tablet strengths may differ by indication and labeling. People with known hypersensitivity to lamivudine should not take it. Those with significant liver disease, kidney impairment, or a history of pancreatitis should discuss risks with a clinician before starting.

Some regimens employ Lamivudine 300 mg tablets once daily for HIV-1. For chronic hepatitis B, other labeled strengths or products may be used. Always follow the specific product label supplied with your prescription.

For broader context on HIV care, see our category pages for Hiv and Antivirals.

Dosage and Usage

Standard adult HIV-1 dosing often totals 300 mg daily, given as 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily, taken with companion antiretrovirals. Pediatric dosing varies by weight and approved age ranges. If your prescriber advises a different schedule, follow their guidance and the official label.

Some adults may receive 3TC 300 mg tablets once daily as part of a combination regimen. Others may use two 150 mg doses 12 hours apart. Swallow tablets whole with water. With food or without is acceptable unless your clinician instructs otherwise. If you experience persistent gastrointestinal upset, taking with a light meal may help.

Do not change your dose, stop therapy, or switch combinations without consulting a healthcare professional. If you also have chronic hepatitis B, stopping suddenly can lead to HBV flare. Your prescriber may arrange periodic lab monitoring to track response and safety.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are commonly available in the following strengths. Availability can vary by market and by pharmacy.

• 3TC 150 mg tablets
• 300 mg tablets

Lamivudine may also exist as an oral solution in some regions. Not all forms are listed or stocked at all times.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up. Keep doses spaced evenly to maintain drug levels. Consider setting reminders on your phone or using a pill organizer to support adherence.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at typical room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep them in the original, child-resistant container with the label intact. When traveling, carry the medicine in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription and your prescriber’s contact details. Many travelers also keep a medication list in their wallet.

For clarity in your own records, you may see the label refer to Lamivudine 150 mg tablets or other strengths. Keep bottles tightly closed, out of reach of children and pets. If you use a weekly pillbox, retain the bottle for product identification. Airlines may request prescription labels at security checkpoints.

For broader liver health context, you can review Chronic Hepatitis B resources and community updates like World Hepatitis Day. As a general micro-cue, our stores support encrypted checkout, and temperature-controlled handling when required.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This medicine is supplied as tablets. No pen or injector steps are required, and sharps disposal is not applicable.

Benefits

This class helps reduce HIV replication when used with a complete regimen. Many adults can take it once daily, which may support consistent use. The therapy is widely used and often paired with other backbone agents under clinician supervision. Tablets are portable and straightforward to incorporate into daily routines.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nasal symptoms, cough, or sore throat
• Difficulty sleeping

Serious but uncommon risks include lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, pancreatitis, severe liver problems, and allergic reactions. People with chronic hepatitis B can experience HBV flare after stopping. Immune reconstitution may unmask infections after starting combination treatment. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, persistent nausea, jaundice, or signs of hypersensitivity. If combined with insulin or sulfonylureas for comorbid diabetes, discuss hypoglycemia risk with your prescriber.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products. Important interactions include sorbitol-containing solutions, which can lower lamivudine exposure; trimethoprim, which can raise levels; and cladribine, which should not be coadministered. Do not take lamivudine with emtricitabine-containing products due to therapeutic overlap. Renal impairment may require dose adjustments. If pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss potential risks and benefits under current guidelines.

For more HIV context, see our article on testing basics: Types Of Hiv Tests.

What to Expect Over Time

Early on, some people experience mild stomach upset or headache as the body adjusts. Those effects often ease with continued use. With consistent therapy and the right combination regimen, viral load may decline on lab tests, while CD4 counts may improve. Your clinician will monitor labs to assess response and safety, and may adjust the broader regimen if necessary. Adherence is essential; set simple routines around meals or bedtime, and keep a spare dose in your day bag.

Compare With Alternatives

Several approved options may be considered as part of a complete HIV regimen. Your prescriber will select based on resistance profile, comorbidities, and tolerability.

• Pifeltro® (doravirine) is a non-nucleoside used with other agents in adults.
• Delstrigo® combines doravirine, lamivudine, and TDF in a single tablet for eligible adults.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacies often offer competitive pricing for this therapy with US delivery from Canada. You can compare available strengths, then choose a fill that fits your prescriber’s plan. If you’re looking to Buy 3TC online, start by selecting strength and quantity on the product page.

Want to check for current offers? See our periodic Promotions page. For educational context on modern HIV combinations, you may also review A Beginners Guide To Biktarvy.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If a specific strength is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative formulation or an equivalent antiviral backbone within guideline-supported regimens. Do not switch products without clinician guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults and certain adolescents requiring a nucleoside backbone component. It may not be appropriate for people with a history of severe hypersensitivity to lamivudine, prior pancreatitis, or significant renal impairment without adjusted dosing. Share full medical and medication histories with your clinician.

Cost-conscious steps can include multi-month fills when appropriate, coordinating renewals before travel, and using refill reminders. Discuss generic options and combination products that may simplify dosing and reduce overall costs. Keep copies of prescriptions for smooth border transit and pharmacy verification.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Fit in my regimen: How does lamivudine pair with my other agents?
• Dose plan: Once daily or split dosing for me?
• Monitoring: Which labs and how often?
• Risks: What signs mean I should call right away?
• Travel: How should I pack and document my supply?
• Long-term plan: When might the regimen change?

Authoritative Sources

Ready when your prescription is? Place your order for home delivery with prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US. This content is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label.