Epivir Side Effects

Ear, nose, or throat infections are the most common side effects reported with Epivir. Side effects may also include fatigue, nausea or vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. There are also a number of rare but potentially serious Epivir side effects that should be reported to a healthcare provider right away, including signs of an allergic reaction, unusual bleeding or bruising, and yellow eyes or skin.

 

Epivir Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Epivir® (lamivudine); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Epivir. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Epivir side effects with you.)
 

Common Epivir Side Effects

Epivir has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.
 In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of Epivir included:
 
  • Ear, nose, or throat infections -- in up to 25 percent of people
  • Fatigue and a general ill feeling (malaise) -- up to 24 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 21 percent
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 16 percent
  • Nausea and vomiting -- up to 15 percent.
     
Other common Epivir side effects, occurring in 5 to 14 percent of people, included:
 
  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain.
     
(Epivir Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;