This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain lamivudine.  It may not be specific to 3tc. Please read with care.
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Epivir® and Epivir-HBV® both contain the same medicine, but Epivir® has more medicine in each tablet or dose of liquid. Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. If you have HIV or AIDS, you need to use Epivir®. If you have hepatitis B but you do not have HIV or AIDS, you can use Epivir-HBV®.
Your doctor may want to test you for HIV before you start using Epivir-HBV® and during your treatment. Your medicine may need to be changed based on these test results.
It is important to take Epivir® as part of a combination regimen. Take all of the medicines your doctor prescribed at the right time of day. This will make your medicines work better.
Keep using lamivudine for the full time of treatment, even if you or your child begin to feel better. Do not stop using it without checking first with your doctor. When your supply of the medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of the medicine.
If you are using the oral liquid, use a specially marked measuring spoon, dosing syringe, or medicine cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
For treatment of hepatitis B infection:
Adults—100 milligrams (mg) once a day.
Children 2 to 17 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 3 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. The doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day. If your child cannot swallow the tablets, he or she may take the oral liquid.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For treatment of HIV infection or AIDS:
Adults—300 milligrams (mg) once a day or 150 mg 2 times a day.
Children 3 months of age and older—
Solution: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight taken 2 times a day, or 10 mg per kg once a day. The doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day, taken with other HIV medicines.
Tablets: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 150 to 300 mg per day. If your child weighs 14 kg or more, it is preferred that he or she take the scored tablet.
Children younger than 3 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Note: Patients that require treatment for both hepatitis B and either AIDS or HIV should follow the dosing schedule for HIV or AIDS.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
 Detailed Lamivudine dosage information
