Lamivudine
Four lamivudine (Epivir) products sit on this shelf, from the 150 mg single tablet to Combivir and Viropil as fixed-dose combinations, treating HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B.
Medicines containing Lamivudine
Epivir HBV
Chronic Hepatitis B
100mg · 150mg
Lamivudine tablets for chronic hepatitis B. They work by preventing the virus from multiplying in liver cells.
Key points
- Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue antiretroviral, taken alongside other medicines to suppress HIV-1.
- The HIV-1 tablets contain more lamivudine than the hepatitis B tablets; people with HIV-1 must not substitute one dosage form for the other.
- Stopping lamivudine in someone also living with hepatitis B can trigger a severe flare, so any change in treatment needs medical supervision.
How does Lamivudine work?
Lamivudine is a synthetic copy of one of the building blocks the virus uses to replicate. Once inside a cell, the body converts it into its active form, lamivudine triphosphate (3TC-TP). This metabolite blocks reverse transcriptase, the enzyme HIV-1 needs to copy its genetic material. Without that copy, the virus cannot complete new generations of itself.
Lamivudine is not significantly broken down by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzymes, which means it interacts with fewer medicines than many other antiretrovirals.
Brands and forms in this catalogue
Epivir is the brand-name version of lamivudine at 150 mg, marketed by ViiV Healthcare. Epivir HBV is the same molecule at a lower 100 mg dose, listed for Chronic Hepatitis B rather than HIV-1. Combivir pairs lamivudine with zidovudine in one tablet. Viropil is a three-drug combination of lamivudine, dolutegravir and tenofovir disoproxil, marketed by Emcure Pharmaceuticals.
All four products are tablets. Two carry lamivudine alone; two are fixed-dose combinations. The HIV-1 indications sit within HIV Management.
Further reading
FAQ
In which products can I find lamivudine?
On Direct Meds, lamivudine comes as Epivir, Epivir HBV, Combivir and Viropil. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does lamivudine cost in South Africa?
Compare the price of each product, strength and pack above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for lamivudine in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order lamivudine. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy lamivudine in South Africa?
On Direct Meds: choose the product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Last updated