Effectiveness

Lamivudine (Epivir) is able to reduce HIV viral load and increase CD4 cell counts in the majority of people when taken in combination with at least two other antiretroviral drugs.1 It is effective against HIV-1 and HIV-2 and some evidence indicates that lamivudine can penetrate the central nervous system where it is active against HIV.

Lamivudine is given in combination, usually with a protease inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and at least one other nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), particularly zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir) or abacavir (Ziagen). Lamivudine was first licensed before protease inhibitors and NNRTIs were developed. Its licence was granted after clinical studies showed that it reduced disease progression, AIDS, and death by 66% when added to zidovudine monotherapy in both zidovudine-experienced and zidovudine-naive patients.2 3 4 5

Epivir-HBV oral solution and tablets contain a sub-therapeutic dose of lamivudine for treating HIV infection. Unless a child with HIV/HBV (hepatitis B virus) co-infection requires a lamivudine 100mg dose for treating HIV, these drugs are not interchangeable.

References

  1. Maggiolo F et al. Virological and immunological responses to a once-a-day antiretroviral regimen with didanosine, lamivudine and efavirenz. Antivir Ther 6: 249-253, 2001
  2. Eron JJ et al. Treatment with lamivudine, zidovudine, or both in HIV-positive patients with 200 to 500 CD4+ cells per cubic millimeter. N Engl J Med 333: 1662-1669, 1995
  3. Kuritzkes DR et al. Drug resistance and virologic response in NUCA 3001, a randomised trial of lamivudine (3TC) versus zidovudine (ZDV) versus ZDV plus 3TC in previously untreated patients. AIDS 10: 975-981, 1996
  4. Katlama C et al. Safety and efficacy of lamivudine-zidovudine combination therapy in zidovudine-naive patients. A randomized controlled comparison with zidovudine monotherapy. Lamivudine European Working Group. JAMA 276: 118-125, 1996
  5. Staszewski S et al. Safety and efficacy of lamivudine-zidovudine combination therapy in zidovudine-experienced patients. A randomized controlled comparison with zidovudine monotherapy. Lamivudine European HIV Working Group. JAMA 276: 111-117, 1996
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.