3TC® Tablets for HIV

3TC® is lamivudine, an antiviral used for HIV and chronic hepatitis B. This page explains strengths, safe use, and how to order responsibly. With US delivery from Canada, you can review options and compare costs without insurance.

What 3TC Is and How It Works

Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NRTI. It helps block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs to copy itself. In hepatitis B, the medicine can reduce viral replication and support improved lab markers. It is used alone for hepatitis B and with other antiretrovirals for HIV.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

For HIV, this therapy is part of a combination regimen. It is often paired with an integrase inhibitor or another NRTI. For chronic hepatitis B, the 100 mg product is a dedicated option when prescribed. Your prescriber will choose the approach based on guidelines and your health history.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated with other antiretrovirals for adults and children with HIV-1 infection. A dedicated 100 mg brand product is indicated for chronic hepatitis B in adults. Some patients with hepatitis B may continue therapy after initial evaluation, as directed by a clinician. The decision is individualized.

People with a known allergy to lamivudine should not take it. Those with significant kidney impairment usually need dose adjustments. Pancreatitis has been reported, especially in pediatric patients, so caution is advised if there is a history of pancreatitis. Patients with hepatitis B can experience flares if treatment is stopped; healthcare supervision is important when therapy changes.

Hiv and Chronic Hepatitis B resources on our site provide broader context on these conditions.

Some prescribers may reference products such as Delstrigo Medication For when discussing HIV regimens. Your regimen should follow recognized treatment standards.

When noted by the prescriber, Epivir-HBV 100 mg tablets are an option for hepatitis B. This specific product is chosen for HBV monotherapy and monitored carefully by clinicians.

Exact-match keyword: Epivir-HBV 100 mg tablets

Dosage and Usage

For adults with HIV, the usual total daily dose is 300 mg. It can be taken as 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily. Your clinician may coordinate the schedule with the other components of your regimen. Take doses at the same times each day to help adherence. You can take it with or without food.

For hepatitis B, the dedicated 100 mg product is typically taken once daily. Pediatric dosing is weight-based per the product label. If using the oral solution, measure doses with a pharmacy-grade device for accuracy.

Swallow tablets whole with water. If you use other liquid medicines containing sorbitol, tell your prescriber. Sorbitol-containing solutions may reduce lamivudine levels. Avoid taking two forms of the same active ingredient together, such as lamivudine and emtricitabine, unless specifically directed.

Do not change doses on your own. If you have kidney impairment, dosing may differ. Always follow the approved label and your prescriber’s instructions.

Exact-match keyword: Lamivudine 300 mg tablets

Strengths and Forms

Commonly available presentations include:

Some regions also offer dedicated hepatitis B tablets at 100 mg. Generic options may be available depending on supply. Availability can vary by manufacturer, packaging, and stock. Your prescription determines which strength and form you receive.

Exact-match keyword: Lamivudine oral solution 10 mg/mL

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. Try setting reminders or using a pill organizer to maintain consistent timing.

If vomiting occurs shortly after a dose, check the official label or ask a healthcare professional for guidance. Maintain regular follow-up appointments and lab monitoring as directed, especially when other antiretrovirals are part of your regimen.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature as directed on the label. Keep them dry and away from excess heat and moisture. Store the oral solution as indicated and do not freeze it. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep your medication in its original, labeled container. Pack it in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription. If you cross time zones, keep a simple schedule by aligning doses to your destination clock. Use a small travel case and keep an updated medication list with emergency contacts. For long trips, bring extra doses as advised by your prescriber.

Benefits

This NRTI is a long-established part of modern HIV care. It supports viral suppression as part of a complete regimen and is compatible with once-daily dosing in many cases. The treatment is available as tablets and as a liquid for those who need a non-tablet option. For chronic hepatitis B, the dedicated product can reduce viral activity under clinical supervision. Generic availability may help reduce overall treatment costs compared to some brand-only options.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects can include headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, nasal symptoms, and cough. Many people tolerate the medicine well. If side effects persist or worsen, speak with a healthcare professional.

• Common effects: headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea
• Other effects: abdominal pain, insomnia, nasal symptoms
• Pediatric note: pancreatitis has been reported

Serious risks are uncommon but can include lactic acidosis and severe liver enlargement with steatosis. In patients with hepatitis B, stopping therapy may cause a flare of hepatitis. Pancreatitis has occurred, especially in children. Seek urgent care if you notice severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, or jaundice.

Use only with a valid prescription; prescription required and verified.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you use. Sorbitol-containing solutions can reduce absorption. Trimethoprim can increase lamivudine exposure; monitoring may be needed. Avoid combining with emtricitabine due to overlapping activity. For hepatitis B, discuss any other liver-impacting drugs, including herbal products.

People with kidney impairment often need adjusted dosing. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss benefits and risks with your clinician. Regular lab monitoring and adherence are essential parts of safe therapy. For general background, see our overview on Drug Interactions The.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent use and a complete regimen, HIV viral load may fall and stay suppressed as directed by your care plan. Your clinician will monitor lab results to guide decisions. For hepatitis B, liver enzymes and viral markers are tracked. If the regimen changes, follow professional advice closely to reduce the chance of flares or resistance.

Most people take this medicine daily for extended periods as part of a tailored plan. Building a routine can help. Use reminders, refill alerts, and a pill organizer to keep doses on track. Pair medication routines with daily habits, such as brushing teeth, to support adherence.

See also our awareness article National Hiv Testing for broader context on screening and care.

Compare With Alternatives

Your prescriber may consider fixed-dose combinations that include or replace lamivudine, depending on your plan. Two examples we offer are Combivir and Dovato. These options combine active ingredients to simplify regimens. The right choice depends on your prior therapy, resistance testing, and clinical goals. Any switches should follow the official labels and your clinician’s guidance.

Pricing and Access

Canadian sourcing can offer competitive options for many therapies. Check our listings to compare brands and generics, then add your prescribed strength to the cart to see current pricing. For potential savings, view our Promotions page for occasional offers. Orders Ships from Canada to US to support cross-border access with quality controls.

If you are comparing options, you can also review typical Antivirals in the same class. Your total outlay depends on strength, quantity, and manufacturer. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about formulary coverage or substitution.

Exact-match keyword: generic Lamivudine price

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific product is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative or a different manufacturer’s version. Pharmacy teams coordinate equivalent substitutions only with your clinician’s authorization. If needed, we can help you and your prescriber update the prescription to match available presentations.

Use our site to place an order only after your clinician confirms the product and strength. When appropriate, your prescriber can confirm a switch between tablets and liquid. Any changes should follow approved product labeling.

Exact-match keyword: order Lamivudine online

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults and children requiring an NRTI, when part of a complete HIV regimen. For chronic hepatitis B, the dedicated product can be appropriate under careful supervision. People with severe kidney disease typically need adjusted dosing. Those with a history of pancreatitis, significant liver disease, or lactic acidosis require extra caution and close monitoring.

• Multi-month fills: lower trips and improve adherence
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts
• Consistent timing: link doses to daily routines
• Medication list: carry an updated card when traveling
• Support: schedule regular follow-ups

To understand expenses, compare generics and branded options and discuss your plan’s coverage. Ask your clinician whether tablet strengths can align with convenient once-daily schedules. If your prescriber agrees, larger package sizes may reduce per-unit costs. Review our condition pages for broader context on Hiv and Chronic Hepatitis B.

Exact-match keyword: Lamivudine out of pocket cost

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Regimen fit: how this NRTI works with my other medicines
• Dosing plan: once daily or split dosing for my situation
• Monitoring: which lab tests and how often
• Interactions: concerns with liquids containing sorbitol
• Hepatitis B: plan if stopping or switching therapy
• Kidneys: whether my renal function affects dose
• Pregnancy: risks, benefits, and alternatives

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information

DailyMed: Lamivudine

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Add your prescribed strength to cart to buy 3TC online with US shipping from Canada and prompt fulfilment. Always follow your prescription and the official label.

This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Your healthcare professional is the best source for guidance.