Epivir® Tablets for HIV and Hepatitis B

Lamivudine is an antiviral for HIV-1 and chronic hepatitis B. This page explains how it works, who it’s for, and safe use basics. We offer US delivery from Canada to support affordable access, even when paying without insurance.

What Lamivudine Is and How It Works

Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It helps block the viral enzymes HIV reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase. By reducing replication, it supports viral load suppression in HIV and reduces hepatitis B virus activity. Lamivudine is the active ingredient in Epivir®, a long-established therapy used alone for hepatitis B and in combination for HIV.

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

This medicine belongs to the Antivirals class. In HIV care, it is combined with other antiretrovirals to prevent resistance and improve durability. In hepatitis B, it may be used as a dedicated HBV therapy when appropriate. Always follow the official label and your prescriber’s guidance.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for HIV-1 infection as part of a complete, multi-drug regimen in adults and pediatric patients as per labeling. It is also approved for chronic hepatitis B in suitable adults and children, based on clinician assessment. Some patients use Lamivudine for HIV tablets as one component of a modern regimen.

People with known hypersensitivity to this ingredient should not take it. Those with significant kidney impairment require dose adjustments under medical supervision. If you have both HIV and HBV, clinicians typically choose a regimen that covers both viruses to avoid flare or resistance. For specific eligibility, discuss your medical history, current medicines, and lab results with a healthcare professional. Learn more about conditions at HIV and Hepatitis B.

Dosage and Usage

For HIV, it is used with companion antiretrovirals. Labeling supports once-daily or twice-daily schedules depending on the regimen selected. For hepatitis B, it is typically taken once daily. Pediatric dosing follows weight-based directions from the official label. Lamivudine tablets may be taken with or without food. Swallow whole with water unless your clinician instructs otherwise.

Take the medicine at the same time each day. If you use an oral solution, measure doses with a marked device rather than a kitchen spoon. Do not change doses or stop therapy without medical advice; stopping suddenly can cause hepatitis B to worsen and can jeopardize HIV control. If you are newly diagnosed with HIV, your care team may review baseline labs and virus testing; see our guide on Types Of Hiv Tests for context.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is supplied as adult tablets and a pediatric oral solution. Availability can vary by pharmacy and country. The HBV-labeled strength is available as Lamivudine 100 mg tablets. Other strengths and presentations may be offered by reference brands or generics; your pharmacist will dispense the item specified on your prescription.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up a missed dose. If you vomit shortly after taking a dose and are unsure what to do, check the official label and contact your prescriber or pharmacist for individualized guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store this medicine as directed on the package insert. Keep in the original, child-resistant container, away from moisture and excess heat. Do not freeze liquids. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep your supply in carry-on luggage with the pharmacy label attached. Bring enough for your trip plus a small buffer in case plans change. For time-zone changes, a clinician or pharmacist can help you plan safe timing so doses remain consistent. Carry a copy of your prescription and a medication list to make security checks easier.

Benefits

This NRTI is widely used and well-studied. It is available as an Epivir generic, which can support affordability. It is compatible with many modern HIV regimens and is also labeled for hepatitis B, giving clinicians flexibility to coordinate care in coinfection. Daily dosing and an oral solution option support use across age groups and clinical settings.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea
• Other reported effects: nasal symptoms, cough, abdominal discomfort

Serious risks can include lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, which have occurred with nucleoside analogs. Pancreatitis has been reported, especially in pediatric patients with prior pancreatitis risk. In hepatitis B, stopping treatment may cause a flare; monitoring is essential after discontinuation. Immune reconstitution syndrome can occur with combination HIV therapy.

Seek urgent care for signs of severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, unusual muscle pain, deep or rapid breathing, jaundice, dark urine, or severe fatigue. This is not a complete list; always review the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you take. Some agents can affect exposure, including sorbitol-containing solutions that may reduce levels. Co-administration with emtricitabine, zalcitabine, or other duplicate cytidine analogs is generally avoided. Trimethoprim-containing products can increase levels; clinicians may monitor more closely. For hepatitis B, combination with interferon alfa requires careful assessment due to additive risks.

Renal impairment necessitates dose adjustments according to the label. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions are individualized; discuss benefits and risks. Alcohol misuse and liver disease can raise safety concerns; clinicians may perform more frequent lab monitoring. For background on other HIV therapies, see Aptivus For Hiv.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent use alongside companion antiretrovirals, HIV viral load may decline per lab monitoring. CD4 counts are assessed to gauge immune recovery. In chronic hepatitis B, clinicians monitor HBV DNA, liver enzymes, and clinical status over time. Adherence is essential to reduce the chance of resistance and support long-term control.

Expect regular follow-ups for labs and safety checks. If side effects occur, your prescriber may adjust your overall regimen. Therapy changes should only be made under medical supervision. For a simple overview of modern HIV care, explore Beginners Guide To Biktarvy.

Compare With Alternatives

Several options may be considered based on your diagnosis and prior therapy. For hepatitis B, tenofovir alafenamide and entecavir are common alternatives. For HIV, dual- or triple-drug combinations are standard.

We offer alternatives including Vemlidy for HBV and Dovato for select HIV regimens. Your prescriber will choose based on resistance profiles, comorbidities, and treatment goals.

Pricing and Access

We highlight Canadian options to help with affordability while maintaining U.S. prescription standards. Many patients compare Lamivudine cost without insurance against local cash-pay quotes to estimate potential savings. You can review Canadian-sourced options delivered to your address. For current offers, see our Promotions. We provide transparency on available products and country-of-origin, such as Canada listings. US pricing dynamics vary; we focus on parity with the prescription provided by your clinician. Ships from Canada to US options are clearly labeled on eligible items.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary. If a specific presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative or a temporary substitution that maintains your treatment plan. Some patients request Lamivudine from Canada when their local pharmacy faces backorders. We will only dispense the product that matches your valid prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults and children who need an NRTI as part of HIV care or a dedicated agent for hepatitis B. It may not be suitable in cases of allergy to the ingredient, significant unadjusted renal impairment, or when combined with duplicate cytidine analogs as noted in the label.

• Multi-month fills: ask your prescriber about 60–90 day supplies
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts to avoid gaps
• Combination planning: align refills for all antiretrovirals
• Budget planning: compare Lamivudine out of pocket options across pharmacies
• Travel prep: pack extra doses and keep them in carry-on bags

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this medicine appropriate for my HIV or HBV treatment goals?
• Which companion drugs fit best with my medical history?
• How will my labs be monitored over the next few months?
• What signs mean I should call the clinic right away?
• If I travel, how should I adjust my dosing schedule safely?
• Could my kidney function affect the dosing plan?

Authoritative Sources

Ready when you are. Add to cart and complete checkout for the treatment with US shipping from Canada and prompt, express shipping, plus temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice; always follow your prescriber and the official label.