Lamivudine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Lamivudine is an antiviral medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for chronic hepatitis B and HIV. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, syrup and solution, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Lamivudine works
Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. The virus mistakenly uses it as a building block when copying its genetic material, which brings the copying process to a halt. This stops both HIV and hepatitis B from multiplying.
What is Lamivudine used for?
- Chronic hepatitis B and HIV
Lamivudine is used to treat chronic hepatitis B in adults, helping to keep the virus under control and reduce ongoing liver damage. Used together with other antiretroviral medicines, it is also a core part of treatment for HIV infection in adults and children. It does not cure either infection, but taken every day it keeps the amount of virus in the blood low.
Side effects of Lamivudine
Many people take Lamivudine with few side effects. When they occur, they may include:
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Trouble sleeping
Do not stop it suddenly, as hepatitis can flare up; report yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain straight away. Severe stomach pain with vomiting can also be a sign of pancreatitis and needs urgent attention.
Precautions and warnings
- Take it every day as prescribed and do not stop or skip doses without your doctor's advice.
- Your doctor will check for HIV before treating hepatitis B with it, because using it alone in untreated HIV can lead to resistance.
- Regular blood tests are needed to check liver function, virus levels and kidney function.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as the dose may need adjusting.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the best plan with your doctor rather than stopping treatment on your own.
Frequently asked questions about Lamivudine
What is the price of Lamivudine in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Lamivudine products currently in stock range from Rs 251 to Rs 3,176 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Pacific Dm Syrup 120ml at Rs 251. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Lamivudine are available in Pakistan?
Lamivudine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Lamrin (Pharmadic), Pacific (Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Lamivir (A.J Mirza), Virogen (Gene-tech), Zeffix (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Zilam (Mass Pharma Ltd), Lamidin (Nova Med) and Hepaid (Well & Well), along with 1 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Lamivudine?
Yes. Lamivudine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Lamivudine be used during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the best plan with your doctor rather than stopping treatment on your own.
Are all Lamivudine brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Lamivudine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Lamivudine brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 10 products containing Lamivudine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
