Epivir-HBV (Lamivudine) Guide: Uses, Safety, Dosing, and 2025 Availability

You searched for Epivir-HBV because you want the right page fast-usually the official label, dosing details, safety warnings, and whether it’s still used in 2025. Here’s the shortest path to those pages, plus the practical stuff doctors actually check: who should use it, who shouldn’t, how it stacks up against today’s first-line hepatitis B meds, and where to confirm availability and price.

Before we start, a quick promise: you’ll get clear steps to reach the exact resources (FDA label, DailyMed, and the patient leaflet), and no fluff. You’ll also see how Epivir-HBV (lamivudine 100 mg) fits into modern HBV care-because treatment standards have changed.

Find the exact Epivir-HBV information page fast

Most people who type “Epivir HBV” want the official prescribing info, the patient leaflet, or to check if the brand is still sold and what generic to use. Do this:

1. For the official U.S. prescribing information (label):

   • Search: “FDA label Epivir-HBV” or “FDA lamivudine hepatitis B label”.
   • Open the FDA’s labels site. Look for a PDF labeled “Prescribing Information” for lamivudine indicated for chronic hepatitis B.
   • Tip: If you see multiple lamivudine entries, pick the one that mentions “chronic hepatitis B” and 100 mg strength. (Avoid HIV-only labels.)

2. For DailyMed (easy-to-read label + updates):

   • Search: “DailyMed lamivudine hepatitis B 100 mg”.
   • Open the listing that states “for chronic hepatitis B” or “Epivir-HBV”.
   • Use the “Patient Information” tab for plain-language summaries.

3. For the patient leaflet (Medication Guide or Patient Information):

   • On FDA/DailyMed pages, find “Patient Information” or “Medication Guide”.
   • Print/save the PDF. This is what pharmacists hand out.

4. To check U.S. brand availability and generics:

   • Search: “lamivudine 100 mg HBV generic” and “Epivir-HBV availability”.
   • Open a major drug compendium entry. If the brand isn’t listed, the generic (lamivudine 100 mg) is usually the substitute.

5. Price and pharmacy stock near you:

   • Search: “lamivudine 100 mg price coupon”.
   • Compare cash prices and coupon savings. Call the pharmacy to confirm the exact strength (100 mg) for HBV.

Use these steps if you need to verify details quickly during a clinic visit or before a pharmacy pickup.

What Epivir-HBV does-and where it fits in HBV treatment

Epivir-HBV is the brand name for lamivudine 100 mg, a nucleoside analog that blocks hepatitis B virus replication. It’s taken once daily, and it can reduce HBV DNA, improve liver enzymes, and slow disease progression in the short-to-medium term.

Here’s the catch: lamivudine has a low barrier to resistance. Many patients develop resistant HBV with long-term use, which is why most 2025 guidelines favor higher-barrier options first.

• Current guideline position: AASLD and WHO recommend high-barrier drugs first-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), or entecavir-for most adults who meet treatment criteria.
• Where lamivudine still shows up: legacy use, certain pediatric settings, when other options aren’t available or tolerated, and sometimes in pregnancy if alternatives aren’t appropriate.
• If you start lamivudine, plan ahead: monitor closely and be ready to switch if HBV DNA rebounds or resistance mutations appear.

“Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy.” - U.S. FDA Prescribing Information for lamivudine (HBV)

That warning matters. If you stop suddenly, your liver can flare. You’ll want a plan for close follow-up labs for several months after any change.

Another important warning from the label: lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (rare but serious) have been reported with nucleoside analogs, including lamivudine. Risk is higher in advanced liver disease or with other risk factors. If you feel markedly unwell (nausea, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, rapid breathing), seek care urgently.

HIV matters here too. Lamivudine is also an HIV drug. If someone has unrecognized HIV and takes lamivudine alone, the virus can develop resistance that harms future HIV treatment. The label advises HIV testing before starting lamivudine for HBV.

Safe use: dosing basics, warnings, monitoring, and practical tips

Quick heads-up: Epivir-HBV (100 mg) is the HBV-labeled strength. There are lamivudine products at 150/300 mg used for HIV-these are not the same prescribing use, and they’re not interchangeable without your clinician’s direction.

Dosing basics

• Adults: 100 mg once daily (HBV-labeled product), with or without food.
• Pediatrics: the label provides weight-based dosing; many clinicians use liquid (10 mg/mL) to dose precisely. Ask your pediatric specialist.
• Kidney function: lamivudine is renally cleared; dose adjustments are needed in reduced eGFR. Your prescriber will use adjusted doses or the oral solution to match the label’s renal dosing table.

Do not stop abruptly

• Stopping can trigger a hepatitis flare. If you must stop (pregnancy plan, side effects, supply issues), do it with your clinician and schedule follow-up ALT and HBV DNA checks for several months.

Key warnings you should actually watch for

• Lactic acidosis/hepatomegaly with steatosis: very rare but serious. Sudden worsening fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or rapid breathing-get urgent care.
• Hepatitis flare after stopping: plan labs and follow-up.
• HIV coinfection: test first. Using lamivudine alone in unrecognized HIV can cause resistance.

Common side effects

• Headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea are the usual ones. Most are mild and fade.
• Call your clinician for severe or unusual symptoms.

Drug interactions (what actually matters)

• Lamivudine has few interactions because it’s cleared by the kidneys and isn’t a CYP enzyme inducer/inhibitor.
• Do not combine with emtricitabine (overlapping mechanism).
• Cladribine: avoid coadministration (can interfere with cladribine activity).
• Sorbitol-containing liquids (including some pediatric formulations) can lower lamivudine levels-limit sorbitol exposure if possible.
• Trimethoprim can raise lamivudine levels modestly; usually manageable, but your clinician may watch closer in renal impairment.

Monitoring plan (what most clinics actually do)

• Before starting: confirm chronic HBV (HBsAg positive >6 months), HBV DNA, HBeAg/anti-HBe, ALT/AST, bilirubin, platelets, fibrosis assessment (FIB-4, elastography if available), pregnancy test if relevant, HIV test, hepatitis A and C status, and baseline kidney function.
• After starting: ALT and HBV DNA every 3-6 months. If DNA rebounds, think resistance and reassess therapy.
• Stopping or switching: monitor ALT/HBV DNA for at least several months after any change.
• HCC surveillance: if you meet risk criteria (age, cirrhosis, family history, certain ethnic backgrounds), continue ultrasound ± AFP every 6 months regardless of therapy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Large registries (e.g., Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry) have not shown a pattern of birth defects with lamivudine exposure.
• Tenofovir is often preferred during pregnancy for HBV in many guidelines, but lamivudine can be considered when appropriate-this is an individualized decision.
• Lamivudine appears in breast milk; discuss risks/benefits. For HBV, breastfeeding is generally allowed if the infant receives HBV immunoprophylaxis and maternal nipples are not cracked/bleeding-confirm with your clinician.

Simple rules of thumb

• If HIV status is unknown, test before starting.
• If eGFR is reduced, expect a lower dose or longer dosing interval.
• If ALT rises and HBV DNA rebounds on therapy, think resistance-don’t wait to reassess.
• Never stop without a monitoring plan.

Sources for positions and warnings: FDA Prescribing Information (lamivudine for HBV), American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) HBV Guidance, World Health Organization HBV recommendations, and CDC HBV resources.

Availability, cost, and alternatives in 2025

Is the brand still on shelves? Brand availability can vary by country and year. In the U.S., pharmacies often dispense generic lamivudine 100 mg for HBV rather than the brand name Epivir-HBV. If your prescription says “Epivir-HBV” and the pharmacy offers a generic, that’s normal-ask them to confirm it’s the 100 mg HBV-labeled product.

How to check your local reality in minutes:

• Call two pharmacies. Ask: “Do you have lamivudine 100 mg for hepatitis B in stock? If not, how fast can you get it?”
• Compare prices using a coupon site. Use the exact strength, quantity, and your ZIP code.
• If it’s back-ordered, ask about partial fills or transferring to a pharmacy with stock.

When Epivir-HBV isn’t the best choice: If you’re starting treatment today and have access to guideline-preferred drugs, your clinician may recommend TDF, TAF, or entecavir first. These have a higher barrier to resistance, which matters over years of therapy.

Traveling or living outside the U.S.? Names and strengths can change across countries. Carry a medication list using generic names (“lamivudine 100 mg for HBV”). If you switch countries, re-check the local label and dosing.

Paying for treatment

• Ask your prescriber for a 90-day prescription if you’re stable-it’s often cheaper per pill.
• Compare prices for both lamivudine 100 mg and potential alternatives (TAF/TDF/entecavir). Sometimes a first-line alternative is similar in cost and better long-term.
• Check insurance formularies: entecavir generics are often affordable; TDF is usually low cost; TAF can be pricier depending on the plan.

FAQ

Is Epivir-HBV the same as Epivir used for HIV?
Same active drug (lamivudine), different labeled uses and strengths. Epivir-HBV is for chronic hepatitis B (100 mg daily). HIV-labeled lamivudine tablets are 150/300 mg and used in combination therapy for HIV. Don’t swap without your clinician’s instruction.

How long do I need to take lamivudine for HBV?
It depends-HBeAg-positive vs. negative disease, presence of cirrhosis, and treatment goals. Many adults require long-term therapy. Stopping requires a plan and close monitoring due to flare risk.

How common is resistance?
Lamivudine has a low resistance barrier. The risk rises with time on therapy, which is why modern guidelines favor drugs like entecavir or tenofovir first.

Can I drink alcohol while on lamivudine?
Alcohol strains the liver. If you drink, keep it minimal and discuss limits with your clinician, especially if you have fibrosis or cirrhosis.

What labs should I expect?
ALT/AST, HBV DNA, HBeAg/anti-HBe as needed, kidney function, and periodic liver cancer surveillance in those at risk.

What if I miss a dose?
Take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Don’t double up.

Can kids take lamivudine for HBV?
Yes, with pediatric dosing and close follow-up. Liquid formulations help dose by weight.

I have both HIV and HBV. Is Epivir-HBV enough?
No. Coinfection requires a full HIV regimen that also treats HBV (usually tenofovir-based plus lamivudine or emtricitabine). Using lamivudine alone risks HIV resistance.

Next steps and troubleshooting

If you’re a patient starting treatment

• Confirm your exact diagnosis: HBsAg positive >6 months, HBV DNA level, and degree of liver scarring.
• Ask your clinician: “Am I a candidate for tenofovir or entecavir instead? If not, why lamivudine?”
• Set a monitoring schedule now (labs at 3-6 months).
• Save the patient leaflet on your phone for quick side-effect checks.

If you’re on lamivudine and not feeling well

• For severe symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, persistent vomiting, unusual fatigue), seek urgent care-make sure they know you’re on lamivudine for HBV.
• Do not stop the medication on your own. Call your clinic and schedule labs.

If your viral load rises on therapy

• Confirm adherence and dosing.
• Discuss resistance testing and a switch to a high-barrier agent.
• Don’t wait months-early action prevents liver flares.

If supply is back-ordered

• Ask the pharmacy for a partial fill and a transfer to a location with stock.
• Ask your clinician about switching to a preferred first-line option if it’s available and appropriate.

If you’re a clinician needing the label in 30 seconds

• Search: “FDA lamivudine chronic hepatitis B prescribing information”.
• Open the PDF and jump to sections: Indications, Dosage and Administration, Warnings and Precautions, Use in Specific Populations.
• For renal dosing, use the label’s renal table or DailyMed quick-view.

If you’re a pharmacist fielding a substitution question

• Confirm the indication (HBV) and strength (100 mg).
• If a generic is dispensed, document AB-rated substitution.
• Flag sorbitol-containing OTCs if the patient uses substantial daily amounts.

Credible sources referenced in building this guide include: FDA Prescribing Information for lamivudine (HBV), AASLD Hepatitis B Guidance, WHO HBV Guidelines (latest updates), CDC Hepatitis B clinical resources, and the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry.