Lamivudine (3TC): What you need to know right now
Lamivudine — often called 3TC — is a widely used antiviral that treats HIV and chronic hepatitis B. It’s cheap, generally well tolerated, and commonly paired with other drugs to form a complete HIV regimen. If you’re on lamivudine or about to start, here’s the quick, useful rundown without the jargon.
How lamivudine works and when it's used
Lamivudine blocks a viral enzyme that HIV and hepatitis B need to copy themselves. For HIV, it’s never used alone; combining it with other antiretrovirals prevents resistance and keeps the virus suppressed. For hepatitis B, doctors sometimes use it on its own, but stopping it suddenly can cause a dangerous flare of liver disease — so plan any change with your clinician.
Dosing is usually once or twice daily depending on the tablet and combination product. If you have reduced kidney function your doctor will adjust the dose. Fixed-dose pills that include lamivudine make taking meds easier for many people; check if your clinic offers these.
Side effects, interactions and what to watch for
Most people tolerate lamivudine well. The common side effects are mild: headache, nausea, and tiredness. Serious problems are rare but can include changes in liver tests or mitochondrial toxicity with long-term use, which your doctor will monitor with blood tests.
Drug interactions are fewer than with many other HIV drugs, but they still matter. Tell your provider about all meds and supplements you take. Notably, stopping lamivudine when you also have hepatitis B can cause a rebound of the virus, so never stop without medical advice.
Resistance can develop if lamivudine is used alone or adherence is poor. One common resistance mutation (called M184V) makes lamivudine less effective but also can make the virus weaker and more sensitive to some other drugs. That’s a detail your specialist will weigh when adjusting treatment.
Practical tips: take your doses at the same time every day, use a pill box or phone alarm if you forget, and keep regular clinic visits for viral load and liver checks. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed one and continue.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: lamivudine has been used safely in pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, discuss your full regimen with your doctor to pick the safest, most effective plan for you and your baby.
Want more? Ask your clinician about combination pills that include lamivudine, how kidney tests affect dosing, and what support services exist for medication costs and adherence. If you notice new symptoms, especially jaundice, severe fatigue, or unexpected pain, contact your healthcare provider right away.
As a patient or healthcare provider, it's crucial to be aware of Lamivudine drug interactions. Lamivudine is an antiviral medication commonly used to treat HIV and hepatitis B, but it can interact with other medications, potentially reducing its effectiveness or causing adverse side effects. To ensure safe and effective treatment, patients should inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Healthcare providers, in turn, should closely monitor patients on Lamivudine and adjust treatment plans accordingly. By staying informed and communicating openly, we can better manage our health and ensure the best outcomes possible.
