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Heptovir Information
Heptovir is a drug with generic name of Lamivudine and Zeffix. Heptovir belongs to the class of drugs called antivirals. Antiviral drugs such as Heptovir are used to treat infection caused by viruses.

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Heptovir Indications
Heptovir is indicated in the treatment of an infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus. It is this HIV virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). To treat AIDS, Heptovir should be taken together with zidovudine (AZT) or other medication that treat HIV.

Heptovir is not indicated to cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. Heptovir only keep HIV from reproducing and slows down the destruction of the immune system. Taking Heptovir will not keep you from spreading HIV to other individuals. Even if you receive Heptovir as your medicine, you may still continue to have other problems related to AIDS or HIV disease.

Heptovir is not indicated to cure or prevent Hepatitis B virus. Long-term side effects of Heptovir on the infection and in the liver are not known up to this time.

Heptovir Warnings
Before taking Heptovir, tell your doctor if you known or unknown allergies. Some components of Heptovir drug may not be good to your health.

Heptovir has not been tested on pregnant women yet but studies on animals have shown that Heptovir can cause birth defects on the animals that were tested. Heptovir crosses the placenta. Do not take Heptovir without consulting first your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during the treatment period.

Heptovir passes into the breast milk of nursing mothers. If your baby does not already have the AIDS virus, there is a tendency that you could pass it to your baby by means of breast-feeding. Also, taking Heptovir while breast-feeding a baby may also cause serious adverse reactions to the baby. It is very important that you talk to your doctor first before you used Heptovir if you are to breast-feed your baby.

Heptovir can cause severe side effects on children. Studies show that children will likely to develop pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, and peripheral neuropathy, a problem involving the nerves. It is really important that you talk with your child’s doctor first the benefits and the risks that Heptovir may cause to your child.

Heptovir has not been studied I older people. The side effects or problems that Heptovir may cause in the elderly are not known. Be sure to talk to your doctor first if you have liver, heart problems, or other diseases. You may just have a different dose to take.

The occurrence of other medical problems may affect the use of Heptovir. It is best that you first inform your doctor before taking Heptovir, if you have any of the following medical conditions:
Combine infection of HIV and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis Delta
Hepatitis Cor
Diabetes Mellitus or Sugar Diabetes
Inflamed Pancreas or Problems of Inflamed Pancreas in the past and other risk factors for developing an Inflamed Pancreas
Nerve Damage
Liver Disease and other risks factors for Liver Disease
Kidney Disease
Organ transplant
Obesity
Human Immunodeficiency Virus

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Heptovir Intake Guidelines
Take Heptovir exactly as directed by your doctor. Never take for granted every single instruction given to you about taking Heptovir. You may also ask your pharmacist or nurse about things that you do not understand.

Heptovir drug works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Do not miss any dose to keep the amount constant in the blood.

If you are using the oral suspension of Heptovir, be sure to accurately measure the exact doses of Heptovir through a dose-measuring cup or spoon to prevent overdosage. Also make sure that the bottle containing the Heptovir suspension is shaken well before use to disperse and mix the contents of Heptovir well. If you are diabetic, tell your doctor before you start taking Heptovir. Heptovir oral suspension contains sucrose.

Do not stop taking Heptovir, even if you already feel better, without talking first to your doctor about these matters. Only take Heptovir exactly as your doctor has prescribed specifically for you. Do not share your Heptovir medication with others.

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Heptovir Dosage
Dosage of Heptovir may vary from person to person. Follow you doctor’s prescription or the directions on the label of Heptovir drug. The following data are only the average dosage of Heptovir medicine. If you have a kidney disease, your dosage may be different.

For treatment of Hepatitis B infection, the dosage for Heptovir is:
100 milligrams (mg) of Heptovir for adults to be taken once a
For children younger than 16 years of age, your doctor must determine the dosage of Heptovir

For treatment of HIV infection or AIDS, the dosage of Heptovir is:
150 milligrams (mg) of Heptovir for adults weighing 50 kilograms (kg) (110 pounds) or more to be taken twice a day together with other HIV medications
2 mg per kg of body weight for adults weighing less than 50 kg (110 pounds) to be taken twice a day with other HIV medications
4 mg per body weight up to 150 mg per dose for children 3 months to 16 years of age to be taken twice a day together with other HIV medications.
For children younger than 3 months of age, your doctor must determine the dosage of Heptovir

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Heptovir Overdose
There are no data about the symptoms of Heptovir overdose but if you suspect Heptovir overdose and notice anything of the unusual, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

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Heptovir Missed Dose
Immediately take the missed dose of Heptovir medicine as soon as you remember but if it is almost time for the next dose of Heptovir, skip the missed one and take the subsequent dose according to schedule. It is important to remember not to take a double dose of Heptovir medicine.

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Heptovir Side Effects
Heptovir may cause several unwanted effects. Though not all side effects may occur at the same time, you may need immediate medical attention if side effects of Heptovir would arise. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effects of Heptovir may occur.

More common side effects caused by Heptovir drug (especially in children):
Nausea
Skin rash
Burning
Numbness
Vomiting
Sensation or pins and needles
Pain in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
Clumsiness
Severe abdominal or stomach pain
Stabbing pain
Stinging

Rare side effects caused by Heptovir drug:
Diarrhea
Fever
Chills
Sore throat
Muscle pains
Sleepiness
Abdominal discomfort
Feeling of fullness
Shortness of breath
Decreased appetite
Unusual tiredness
General feeling of discomfort

Other side effects caused by Heptovir drugs:
Dark urine
Cough
Dizziness
Panting
Yellow skin and eyes
Tightness in chest
Difficulty in swallowing
Fast heartbeat
Light-colored stools
Upper right abdominal pain
Redness of skin

The following are some side effects caused by Heptovir drug that may not need medical attention. These side effects show that your body is adjusting to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the following side effects are becoming bothersome to you.

More common adjustment reaction of the body to Heptovir:
Weight loss
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Los of interest or pleasure
Pain in joints
Swollen joints
Difficulty in moving
Discouragement
Ear discharge and ear swelling
Feelings of emptiness or sadness
Feelings of illness
Sores
White spots on lips or tongue or inside the mouth
Nasal congestion
Trouble in sleeping
Difficulty in concentrating
Ulcers
Stomach pains
Unusually warm skin
Swollen and painful spots on neck, armpit, groin

Less common adjustment reaction of the body to Heptovir:
Cough
Belching
Indigestion
Stomach upset
Heartburn
Sour stomach

Other adjustment reaction of the body to Heptovir:
Sweating
Dry skin
Dry mouth
Body fat accumulation
Increased hunger or thirst
Increased urination
Blurred vision
Hair loss
Thinning of hair
Fruit-like breath odor

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Heptovir Drug Reactions
Heptovir may be used together with other drugs to improve function. In other cases, Heptovir may not be advisable to take at the same time that you are taking with Zidovudine (Combivir) and Zalcitabine (Hivid). The interactions that will occur between Heptovir and the said drugs is likely unpleasant.