What is 3TC and how does it work?

3TC is lamivudine, an NRTI used with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1. It blocks reverse transcriptase, lowering viral replication. When combined with a fully active regimen, it helps reduce viral load and allows CD4 counts to rise. Tablets are taken once or twice daily, depending on the regimen and renal function.

What are common side effects of 3TC?

Common effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and insomnia. Serious but rare risks include lactic acidosis, severe liver enlargement with steatosis, pancreatitis, and hepatitis flares in HBV/HIV coinfection when therapy changes. Blood abnormalities may occur, especially with zidovudine. Clinicians monitor labs and symptoms during therapy.

Can I use 3TC without insurance and still save?

Many customers compare options without insurance by using Canadian pricing, generic lamivudine, and multi‑month fills to lower monthly costs. Promotions may further reduce expenses. Our team provides U.S. shipping with a valid prescription, and reorder reminders help maintain continuity. Savings vary by strength, quantity, and brand versus generic.

What is the 3tc price through a Canadian pharmacy?

3tc price varies by strength (150 mg or 300 mg), brand versus generic, and quantity. Canadian pharmacies often offer 60–80% savings compared with typical U.S. retail. Multi‑month supplies can reduce the per‑month cost. A valid prescription is required, and final checkout shows current pricing and shipping options.

Is generic lamivudine equivalent to 3TC?

Health authorities consider approved generic lamivudine bioequivalent to 3TC. It contains the same active ingredient and meets the same quality standards. Patients may switch to generic to reduce costs, if appropriate for their regimen. Any changes in antiretroviral therapy should be coordinated by a clinician familiar with the patient’s history.

Do I need a prescription, and how is it shipped?

A valid prescription is required for 3TC. After checkout, upload the prescription, and a licensed pharmacist reviews it before dispensing. Orders ship to the U.S. using prompt, express methods to protect product integrity. Tablets travel well at room temperature; keep them in the original container during transit.

3TC

3TC® (Lamivudine) Tablets for HIV-1 Combination Therapy

HIV Infection

Price:

$399.99

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What 3TC® Is and How It Works

3TC® is the brand name for lamivudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It helps block HIV-1 replication inside cells. 3TC is taken by mouth as film‑coated tablets or an oral solution. It is used only in combination with other antiretrovirals. Many customers compare 3tc price and consider options for 3tc cost without insurance when planning long‑term therapy.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

We also partner with vetted, licensed international pharmacies to supply authentic brands and a broad selection at affordable Canadian pricing.

Lamivudine becomes active after phosphorylation in cells. It competes with natural nucleosides and stops reverse transcriptase from building viral DNA. This action lowers viral load and helps CD4 counts recover when used with a complete regimen. 3TC has activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) as well. Patients with HBV/HIV coinfection require careful monitoring when starting or stopping therapy due to HBV flare risk.

Tablets are usually taken once daily when part of modern regimens, or twice daily in some combinations. Lamivudine is included in several fixed‑dose products, but 3TC tablets let clinicians adjust doses for renal function or pediatric needs. Learn more about the condition in our Hiv Infection resource, and see testing guidance in National Hiv Testing Day 2025 Get Tested Know Your Status.

Dosage and Usage

Typical adult dose: 300 mg once daily or 150 mg twice daily, as part of a combination regimen.
Pediatric dosing uses weight bands and the oral solution; clinicians individualize doses.
Renal impairment: dose reduction is required when creatinine clearance is below 50 mL/min.
Take with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. If using the oral solution, measure with a marked syringe or cup.
Do not use 3TC as monotherapy. Combine with other antiretrovirals per guidelines.
Missed dose: if remembered soon, take it. If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
Vomiting within 1 hour of a dose may require redosing based on clinical advice.
Avoid duplicate therapy with emtricitabine due to overlapping activity and resistance.

Store tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Short excursions 15–30 °C are acceptable.
Keep in the original container with the desiccant. Protect from moisture.
For oral solution, keep the cap tightly closed. Do not freeze.
Travel: pack doses in carry‑on, with a copy of the prescription. Use a pill organizer if helpful.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

3TC supports strong viral suppression when paired with an integrase inhibitor or other active agents. It is generally well tolerated, with a low rate of discontinuation for side effects. Once‑daily dosing improves convenience in many regimens, and the oral solution supports pediatric dosing needs.

Ordering through YouDrugstore offers access to Canadian pricing, often 60–80% lower than typical U.S. retail. Many patients plan therapy even without insurance by choosing multi‑month supplies to lower the per‑month cost. Reorder reminders can help maintain continuity of treatment.

For current promotions, see our 3tc coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Insomnia
Upper respiratory symptoms
Abdominal pain

Serious risks are uncommon but include lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (a class warning for NRTIs). In patients with HBV/HIV coinfection, starting or stopping lamivudine can trigger hepatitis flares; careful monitoring is needed. Pancreatitis has been reported, especially in pediatrics. Neutropenia and anemia may occur, particularly with zidovudine. Immune reconstitution syndrome can appear after viral load declines.

Onset Time

Viral load often falls within 2–4 weeks of starting a fully active combination regimen that includes 3TC. Many patients reach near‑undetectable levels by 8–24 weeks, depending on baseline viral load and resistance profile. CD4 counts usually rise over months as viral suppression is maintained. Symptom improvements follow viral control and immune recovery.

Compare With Alternatives

Emtricitabine is a closely related NRTI and is part of single‑tablet regimens. Patients stable on emtricitabine/tenofovir plus rilpivirine may remain on a fixed dose such as Odefsey®. Lamivudine and emtricitabine should not be used together due to overlapping activity.

Protease‑inhibitor–based regimens are options for certain resistance patterns or treatment histories. Kaletra® (lopinavir/ritonavir) was once common but is now used less often due to tolerability and drug‑interaction profiles. It remains a consideration in select clinical scenarios.

Long‑acting HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis uses injectable cabotegravir (Apretude). This is prevention, not treatment, and is not a substitute for combination therapy containing NRTIs like lamivudine. Choice of regimen should reflect resistance testing, comorbidities, and convenience needs.

Combination Therapy

Lamivudine + abacavir + dolutegravir (as separate tablets or in fixed‑dose options) for initial therapy in eligible patients.
Lamivudine + zidovudine as a backbone in legacy regimens or specific cases.
Lamivudine + tenofovir + an integrase inhibitor when abacavir is not appropriate.
Avoid combining lamivudine with emtricitabine because of overlapping resistance and limited added benefit.
Adjust lamivudine dose in renal impairment; monitor for hematologic effects with zidovudine.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

3TC is used for adults, adolescents, and children as part of combination therapy. It is not used alone. Patients with prior lamivudine resistance or significant renal impairment require tailored dosing and regimen choices. Those with HBV/HIV coinfection need careful planning to avoid hepatitis flares when starting or discontinuing therapy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions involve benefits and potential risks, including transmission considerations. A clinician monitors viral load, CD4 counts, liver enzymes, and renal function during therapy. Drug‑interaction potential is modest, but antiretroviral combinations and overlapping toxicities must be reviewed.

Ways to lower costs include choosing generic lamivudine when appropriate, using multi‑month fills, and watching for 3tc discount offers. Bulk options may reduce the per‑month expense for a 3tc bulk purchase. Many patients track 3tc uninsured price trends during long‑term therapy and set reorder reminders.

Authoritative Sources

ViiV Healthcare 3TC Product Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Lamivudine (3TC)

FDA Prescribing Information for Lamivudine (EPIVIR)

Order 3TC® from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This material is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a clinician for diagnosis, treatment choices, and questions about medicines.

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View All FAQs

What is 3TC and how does it work?
3TC is lamivudine, an NRTI used with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1. It blocks reverse transcriptase, lowering viral replication. When combined with a fully active regimen, it helps reduce viral load and allows CD4 counts to rise. Tablets are taken once or twice daily, depending on the regimen and renal function.
How long does 3TC take to work?
Viral load often decreases within 2–4 weeks when 3TC is started as part of an effective combination regimen. Many patients reach near‑undetectable levels by 8–24 weeks, depending on baseline viral load, adherence, and resistance. CD4 recovery continues over months with ongoing viral suppression.
What are common side effects of 3TC?
Common effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and insomnia. Serious but rare risks include lactic acidosis, severe liver enlargement with steatosis, pancreatitis, and hepatitis flares in HBV/HIV coinfection when therapy changes. Blood abnormalities may occur, especially with zidovudine. Clinicians monitor labs and symptoms during therapy.
Can I use 3TC without insurance and still save?
Many customers compare options without insurance by using Canadian pricing, generic lamivudine, and multi‑month fills to lower monthly costs. Promotions may further reduce expenses. Our team provides U.S. shipping with a valid prescription, and reorder reminders help maintain continuity. Savings vary by strength, quantity, and brand versus generic.
What is the 3tc price through a Canadian pharmacy?
3tc price varies by strength (150 mg or 300 mg), brand versus generic, and quantity. Canadian pharmacies often offer 60–80% savings compared with typical U.S. retail. Multi‑month supplies can reduce the per‑month cost. A valid prescription is required, and final checkout shows current pricing and shipping options.
Is generic lamivudine equivalent to 3TC?
Health authorities consider approved generic lamivudine bioequivalent to 3TC. It contains the same active ingredient and meets the same quality standards. Patients may switch to generic to reduce costs, if appropriate for their regimen. Any changes in antiretroviral therapy should be coordinated by a clinician familiar with the patient’s history.
Do I need a prescription, and how is it shipped?
A valid prescription is required for 3TC. After checkout, upload the prescription, and a licensed pharmacist reviews it before dispensing. Orders ship to the U.S. using prompt, express methods to protect product integrity. Tablets travel well at room temperature; keep them in the original container during transit.