Description:

Lamivudine Tablets IP 150mg  is a generic nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral medication. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children, and as monotherapy or in combination for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Lamivudine inhibits viral reverse transcriptase, preventing HIV/HBV replication and reducing viral load, while improving immune function (CD4 count) in HIV patients.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription (typically from an infectious disease specialist or HIV clinician) with HIV/HBV confirmation (viral load/CD4 testing), renal/hepatic assessment, and ongoing monitoring. In Ghana and similar markets, it is regulated and available through pharmacies or HIV clinics (imported generic).

Therapeutic Category:

Antiretroviral / Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each film-coated tablet contains: Lamivudine IP 150 mg. Excipients: Standard tablet components (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, starch, magnesium stearate, film-coating agents; refer to label for full list—no additional actives).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 150 mg strength film-coated tablets (standard adult dose; pack of 30 tablets for monthly supply in some regimens; differs from 100 mg or 300 mg strengths in other brands).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children ≥12 years or ≥30 kg: Typically 150 mg twice daily (or 300 mg once daily) in combination with other antiretroviral for HIV. For chronic HBV: 100 mg once daily (may use 150 mg in some regimens). Take at regular intervals; do not miss doses to prevent resistance. Complete full regimen; regular viral load monitoring required. Dose adjustment in renal impairment (reduce if CrCl <50 mL/min). Follow specialist instructions.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Cough or upper respiratory symptoms
• Rash
• Rare: Pancreatitis (especially in children), lactic acidosis (with long-term NRTI use), liver enzyme elevation, peripheral neuropathy Most mild; serious rare: Severe hypersensitivity, mitochondrial toxicity (lactic acidosis), exacerbation of hepatitis B on discontinuation.

Package Type:

Blister packs containing 30 film-coated tablets (often 3 x 10 strips or 30’s in carton with patient information).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Use only in combination regimens for HIV—never monotherapy (risk of resistance).
• Caution in renal impairment (dose reduction if CrCl <50 mL/min), hepatic disease, or history of pancreatitis.
• Monitor for lactic acidosis (fatigue, abdominal pain, dyspnea); stop if suspected.
• HBV co-infection: Risk of HBV flare on discontinuation—monitor closely.
• Pregnancy: Generally safe (Category C; preferred NRTI in many guidelines). Breastfeeding: Not recommended in high-resource settings.
• Interactions: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (increased lamivudine levels), zidovudine (antagonism in some combinations).
• Report persistent/worsening symptoms or signs of lactic acidosis promptly.
• Regular monitoring: Viral load, CD4, renal/liver function.

Product Substitutes: Other lamivudine 150mg tablets in Ghana: Epivir (GSK original), generics like Lamivir, Heptavir, or combinations (e.g., TLD: tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir). Alternatives: Emtricitabine (similar NRTI) or other NRTIs (e.g., tenofovir, zidovudine)—consult HIV specialist per national ART guidelines (e.g., Ghana favors dolutegravir-based regimens with lamivudine).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

John Lee Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (Indian pharmaceutical company; produces Jonvir-150 as lamivudine 150mg tablets). Marketed/distributed in Africa (including Ghana) via local importers/pharmacies.

Country of Origin:

India.