POZ IRELAND
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POZ IRELAND
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LAMIVUDINE (3TC) Epivir® (GSK) Approved for use in HIV infection in combination with other antiviral drugs. DESCRIPTION: 3TC is a nucleoside analogue or reverse transcriptase inhibitor. DOSE: Adults / adolescents: 150 mg twice a day or 300mg once a day. 3TC + AZT is available as Combivir Paediatric: 4 mg/kg twice a day. (Max. 300 mg a day) Neonates: <30 days old: 2 mg/kg twice a day. SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, malaise and fatigue, nasal signs and symptoms, diarrhoea, neuropathy, neutropenia, and anaemia. Limited anecdotal reports of alopecia, mania, and increased agitation in clinical trials of 3TC. Enlarged fatty liver and lactic acidosis have been reported in patients taking nucleoside analogues alone or in combination.RESISTANCE: Reports suggest that 3TC resistant virus may be less fit or less pathogenic. Continuing 3TC treatment after resistance has developed is unclear. Studies of combinations with AZT + 3TC + indinavir have shown that virologic rebound is often associated with the 184 mutation and resistance to 3TC. INTERACTIONS: Levels of 3TC maybe increased when taken with co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim, sulphamethaxazole) tablets. 3TC should not be taken with IV foscarnet or ganciclovir. |
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