Lamivudine Oral

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Lamivudine

Brand Names: Lamivudine
Drug Class: Hepatitis B Virus Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor [EPC], Human Immunodeficiency Virus Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor [EPC]
Route: ORAL
Dosage Form: SOLUTION
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B, and DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF LAMIVUDINE Exacerbations of Hepatitis B Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and have discontinued lamivudine. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue lamivudine and are co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV. If appropriate, initiation of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Important Differences among Lamivudine-Containing Products Lamivudine oral solution (used to treat HIV-1 infection) contains a higher dose of the active ingredient (lamivudine) than EPIVIR-HBV tablets and oral solution (used to treat chronic HBV infection). Patients with HIV-1 infection should receive only dosage forms appropriate for treatment of HIV-1 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B, and DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF LAMIVUDINE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and have discontinued lamivudine. Monitor hepatic function closely in these patients and, if appropriate, initiate anti-hepatitis B treatment. ( 5.1 ) Patients with HIV-1 infection should receive only dosage forms of lamivudine appropriate for treatment of HIV-1. ( 5.1 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Lamivudine (also known as 3TC) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue with activity against HIV-1 and HBV. The chemical name of lamivudine is (2R,cis)-4-amino-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)-(1H)-pyrimidin-2-one. Lamivudine is the (-)enantiomer of a dideoxy analogue of cytidine. Lamivudine has also been referred to as (-)2′,3′-dideoxy, 3′-thiacytidine. It has a molecular formula of C 8 H 11 N 3 O 3 S and a molecular weight of 229.3 g per mol. It has the following structural formula: Lamivudine is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of approximately 70 mg per mL in water at 20°C. Lamivudine Oral Solution, USP is for oral administration. One milliliter (1 mL) of lamivudine oral solution, USP contains 10 mg of lamivudine (10 mg per mL) in an aqueous solution and the inactive ingredients alcohol (5% v/v), edetate disodium, artificial strawberry flavor, citric acid (anhydrous), methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium citrate (dihydrate), sucrose (200 mg) and purified water. image description

What Is Lamivudine Oral Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lamivudine oral solution, USP is a nucleoside analogue indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Limitations of Use: The dosage of this product is for HIV-1 and not for HBV. Lamivudine oral solution, USP is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Limitations of Use: The dosage of this product is for HIV-1 and not for HBV. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults: 300 mg daily, administered as either 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients Aged 3 Months and Older: Administered either once or twice daily. Dose should be calculated on body weight (kg) and should not exceed 300 mg daily. ( 2.2 ) Patients with Renal Impairment: Doses of lamivudine must be adjusted in accordance with renal function. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Adult Patients The recommended dosage of lamivudine in HIV-1-infected adults is 300 mg daily, administered as either 150 mg taken orally twice daily or 300 mg taken orally once daily with or without food. If lamivudine is administered to a patient infected with HIV-1 and HBV, the dosage indicated for HIV-1 therapy should be used as part of an appropriate combination regimen [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Pediatric Patients Lamivudine scored tablet is the preferred formulation for HIV-1-infected pediatric patients who weigh at least 14 kg and for whom a solid dosage form is appropriate. Before prescribing lamivudine scored tablets, pediatric patients should be assessed for the ability to swallow tablets. For patients unable to safely and reliably swallow lamivudine tablets, the oral solution formulation may be prescribed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . The recommended oral dosage of lamivudine tablets for HIV-1-infected pediatric patients is presented in Table 1. Table 1. Dosing Recommendations for Lamivudine Scored (150-mg) Tablets in Pediatric Patients Weight (kg) Once-Daily Dosing Regimen a Twice-Daily Dosing Regimen Using Scored 150-mg Tablet AM Dose PM Dose Total Daily Dose 14 to <20 1 tablet (150 mg) ½ tablet (75 mg) ½ tablet (75 mg) 150 mg ≥20 to <25 1½ tablets (225 mg) ½ tablet (75 mg) 1 tablet (150 mg) 225 mg ≥25 2 tablets (300 mg) b 1 tablet (150 mg) 1 tablet (150 mg) 300 mg a Data regarding the efficacy of once-daily dosing is limited to subjects who transitioned from twice-daily dosing to once-daily dosing after 36 weeks of treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. b Patients may alternatively take one 300-mg tablet, which is not scored. Oral Solution The recommended dosage of lamivudine oral solution in HIV-1-infected pediatric patients aged 3 months and older is 5 mg per kg taken orally twice daily or 10 mg per kg taken orally once daily (up to a maximum of 300 mg daily), administered in combination with other antiretroviral agents [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Consider HIV-1 viral load and CD4+ cell count/percentage when selecting the dosing interval for patients initiating treatment with oral solution [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.3 Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing of lamivudine is adjusted in accordance with renal function. Dosage adjustments are listed in Table 2 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Table 2. Adjustment of Dosage of Lamivudine in Adults and Adolescents (Greater than or Equal to 25 kg) in...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Exacerbations of hepatitis B [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Immune reconstitution syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in adults were headache, nausea, malaise and fatigue, nasal signs and symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. ( 6.1 ) The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 15%) in pediatric subjects were fever and cough. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC. at 1-845-232-1683 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Clinical Trials Experience in Adult Subjects Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety profile of lamivudine in adults is primarily based on 3,568 HIV-1-infected subjects in 7 clinical trials. The most common adverse reactions are headache, nausea, malaise, fatigue, nasal signs and symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. Selected clinical adverse reactions in greater than or equal to 5% of subjects during therapy with lamivudine 150 mg twice daily plus zidovudine 200 mg 3 times daily for up to 24 weeks are listed in Table 3. Table 3. Selected Clinical Adverse Reactions (Greater than or Equal to 5% Frequency) in Four Controlled Clinical Trials (NUCA3001, NUCA3002, NUCB3001, NUCB3002) Adverse Reaction Lamivudine 150 mg Twice Daily plus Zidovudine (n = 251) Zidovudine a (n = 230) Body as a Whole Headache 35% 27% Malaise & fatigue 27% 23% Fever or chills 10% 12% Digestive Nausea 33% 29% Diarrhea 18% 22% Nausea & vomiting 13% 12% Anorexia and/or decreased appetite 10% 7% Abdominal pain 9% 11% Abdominal cramps 6% 3% Dyspepsia 5% 5% Nervous System Neuropathy 12% 10% Insomnia & other sleep disorders 11% 7% Dizziness 10% 4% Depressive disorders 9% 4% Respiratory Nasal signs & symptoms 20% 11% Cough 18% 13% Skin Skin rashes 9% 6% Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal pain 12% 10% Myalgia 8% 6% Arthralgia 5% 5% a Either zidovudine monotherapy or zidovudine in combination with zalcitabine. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis was observed in 9 out of 2,613 adult subjects (0.3%) who received lamivudine in controlled clinical trials EPV20001, NUCA3001, NUCB3001, NUCA3002, NUCB3002, and NUCB3007 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Lamivudine 300 mg Once Daily: The types and frequencies of clinical adverse reactions reported in subjects receiving lamivudine 300 mg once daily or lamivudine 150 mg twice daily (in 3-drug combination regimens in EPV20001 and EPV40001) for 48 weeks were similar. Selected laboratory abnormalities observed during therapy are summarized in Table 4. Table 4. Frequencies of Selected Grade 3-4 Laboratory Abnormalities in Adults in Four 24-Week Surrogate Endpoint Trials (NUCA3001, NUCA3002, NUCB3001, NUCB3002) and a Clinical Endpoint Trial (NUCB3007) 24-Week Surrogate Endpoint Trials a Clinical Endpoint Trial a Test (Threshold Level) Lamivudine plus Zidovudine Zidovudine b Lamivudine plus Current Therapy c Placebo plus Current Therapy c Absolute neutrophil count (<750/mm 3 ) 7.2% 5.4% 15% 13% Hemoglobin (<8.0 g/dL) 2.9% 1.8% 2.2% 3.4% Platelets (<50,000/mm 3 ) 0.4% 1.3% 2.8% 3.8% ALT (>5.0 x ULN) 3.7% 3.6% 3.8% 1.9% AST (>5.0 x ULN) 1.7% 1.8% 4.0% 2.1% Bilirubin (>2.5 x ULN) 0.8% 0.4% ND ND Amylase (>2.0 x ULN) 4.2% 1.5% 2.2% 1.1% a The median duration on study was 12 months. b Either zidovudine monotherapy or zidovudine in combination with zalcitabine. c Current therapy was either zidovudine,...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Sorbitol: Coadministration of lamivudine and sorbitol may decrease lamivudine concentrations; when possible, avoid chronic coadministration. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Drugs Inhibiting Organic Cation Transporters Lamivudine is predominantly eliminated in the urine by active organic cationic secretion. The possibility of interactions with other drugs administered concurrently should be considered, particularly when their main route of elimination is active renal secretion via the organic cationic transport system (e.g., trimethoprim) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . No data are available regarding interactions with other drugs that have renal clearance mechanisms similar to that of lamivudine. 7.2 Sorbitol Coadministration of single doses of lamivudine and sorbitol resulted in a sorbitol dose-dependent reduction in lamivudine exposures. When possible, avoid use of sorbitol-containing medicines with lamivudine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Lamivudine oral solution is contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine. Lamivudine oral solution is contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine. ( 4 )

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There is no known specific treatment for overdose with lamivudine. If overdose occurs, the patient should be monitored and standard supportive treatment applied as required. Because a negligible amount of lamivudine was removed via (4-hour) hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and automated peritoneal dialysis, it is not known if continuous hemodialysis would provide clinical benefit in a lamivudine overdose event.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Lamivudine Oral Solution, USP is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, strawberry flavored liquid. Each mL of the solution contains 10 mg of lamivudine. Packaged as follows: Unit-Dose cup 30 mL NDC 68999-706-30 20 Unit-Dose Cups of 30 mL each NDC 68999-706-24. This product does not require reconstitution. Recommended Storage: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.