100 mg\u00a0film-coated tablets
of lamivudine<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The active substance in Zeffix is \u200b\u200blamivudine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zeffix is \u200b\u200bused to treat chronic hepatitis B infection in adults.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zeffix is \u200b\u200ban antiviral medicine that suppresses the\u00a0hepatitis\u00a0B\u00a0virus\u00a0and belongs to a group of medicines called\u00a0nucleoside analog\u00a0reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hepatitis\u00a0B is a\u00a0virus\u00a0that infects the liver, causes long-term (\u00a0chronic\u00a0)\u00a0infections, and can cause damage to the liver.\u00a0Zeffix can be used by people whose liver is damaged but still functioning normally (compensated liver disease) and in combination with other medicines by people whose liver is damaged and not functioning normally (decompensated liver disease).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment with Zeffix can reduce the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. In this way, damage to the liver can be reduced and liver function can be improved. Not everyone responds to treatment with Zeffix in the same way. Your doctor will monitor the effectiveness of your treatment by regularly taking blood samples. Some people who take Zeffix or other similar medicines are at greater risk of serious\u00a0side effects.\u00a0You need to be aware of the additional risks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not stop taking Zeffix<\/strong> without first talking to your doctor, as there is a risk that your hepatitis will get worse. After you stop taking Zeffix, your doctor will check you for at least four months to rule out any problems. This means that blood samples will be taken to check if you have elevated levels of liver enzymes, which can be signs of liver damage. See section 3 for more information on how to take Zeffix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protect other people<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hepatitis B infection is spread through sexual contact with someone who has the infection or through the transfer of infected blood (for example, by sharing hypodermic needles). Zeffix does not prevent you from passing hepatitis B infection on to other people. To protect others from becoming infected with hepatitis B:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including herbal and non-prescription medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you start taking any new medicines while taking Zeffix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These medicines should not be taken with Zeffix:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pregnancy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breast-feeding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zeffix can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zeffix can make you feel tired which may affect your ability to drive or use machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, i.e. it is almost “sodium-free”. Always take this medicine as directed by your doctor. <\/strong>Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have regular contact with your doctor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zeffix helps you control your\u00a0hepatitis\u00a0B\u00a0infection.\u00a0You must continue to take it every day to control your\u00a0infection\u00a0and prevent your illness from getting worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much to take<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The usual<\/strong>\u00a0dose\u00a0of Zeffix is \u200b\u200bone tablet\u00a0(100 mg lamivudine)\u00a0once daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you have kidney problems. There is an oral solution of Zeffix available for people who need a lower dose or who cannot swallow tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are already taking another medicine for\u00a0HIV\u00a0–\u00a0infection\u00a0that contains lamivudine, your doctor will continue to treat you with the higher\u00a0dose\u00a0(usually 150 mg twice daily), because\u00a0dose\u00a0one of lamivudine in Zeffix (100 mg) is not enough to\u00a0treat\u00a0HIV\u00a0infection.\u00a0If you plan to change your HIV treatment, discuss this change with your doctor first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swallow the tablet whole with water. Zeffix can be taken with or without food.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you accidentally take too much Zeffix, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the emergency department of your nearest hospital for further advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Show the Zeffix packaging if possible.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have forgotten to take a\u00a0dose, take it as soon as possible.\u00a0Then continue the treatment as prescribed.\u00a0Do not take a double\u00a0dose\u00a0to make up for a missed\u00a0dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat you need to know before taking Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do not use Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other medicines and Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Driving ability and use of machinery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Zeffix contains sodium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to take Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you have taken too much Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you forget to take Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do not stop taking Zeffix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n