3TC® (Lamivudine) for HIV Treatment

What 3TC Is and How It Works

3TC® is the brand name for lamivudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1. It is available as tablets and an oral solution, usually taken once or twice daily depending on the regimen. Many patients compare pharmacies when looking for 3TC without insurance, and they often find consistent value from Canadian suppliers. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. Orders are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and support is available by phone or chat during posted hours.

We source medications through licensed, vetted partner pharmacies to provide authentic brand products with a broad selection and fair pricing. You can buy 3TC online at Canadian prices, and we also carry OTC health items for convenience.

3TC® works by blocking HIV’s reverse transcriptase enzyme. This slows viral replication and helps reduce viral load when combined with other agents. Lamivudine is active against HIV-1 and is a core component in many modern regimens. It is not used alone because monotherapy can lead to resistance.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized based on the full antiretroviral plan and kidney function. Adults are often prescribed 300 mg once daily or 150 mg twice daily with other agents. Pediatric dosing is weight-based. Follow the prescriber’s instructions on dose and timing.

• Take exactly as prescribed with or without food.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose, then skip the missed dose.
• Do not double doses.
• If vomiting occurs soon after a dose, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.
• Do not stop lamivudine without medical advice, especially with hepatitis B coinfection.

• Storage: store at room temperature (15–30°C) in a dry place, away from moisture.
• Keep tablets in the original container with the label and lot information.
• Travel: pack your 3TC® and other medicines in your carry-on.
• Bring an updated medication list and a copy of your prescription when crossing borders.
• Use a travel pill organizer only if it will not conflict with local regulations.

Pharmacists at YouDrugstore can address medication questions. Send a message through customer-service chat during posted hours for non-urgent support.

Benefits and Savings

3TC®, as part of combination therapy, helps lower viral load and supports immune recovery. It is generally well tolerated and has a long track record in HIV care. Once-daily options simplify routines for many adults and adolescents.

YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing that can help patients save 60–80% versus typical US prices. This can be helpful for those comparing the 3TC price online, including shoppers managing 3TC cost without insurance. Ordering is simple, and many patients choose to order 3TC again using our reorder reminders.

Side Effects and Safety

Most people tolerate lamivudine well. Some may notice mild effects that improve over time. Serious reactions are uncommon but can occur.

• Common: headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, nasal symptoms, cough.
• Less common: rash, sleep changes, dizziness.
• Serious: lactic acidosis, liver enlargement with fat, pancreatitis, severe liver problems (especially if hepatitis B is present), immune reconstitution syndrome.
• Drug considerations: avoid duplicate therapy with emtricitabine-containing products; review all HIV medicines to prevent overlaps.

People with kidney impairment often require dose adjustments. Those with chronic hepatitis B need careful monitoring when starting or stopping lamivudine. Report persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, or unusual fatigue to a clinician right away.

Onset Time

When used with a complete regimen, early viral load declines may be seen within the first few weeks. Many patients reach significant response milestones over 8–24 weeks. Timeframes vary by baseline viral load, adherence, and the other medicines used alongside 3TC®.

Compare With Alternatives

Lamivudine shares a therapeutic role with emtricitabine (FTC), another NRTI used in many regimens. Choice between them depends on the full combination, resistance profile, and availability. Some regimens pair lamivudine with dolutegravir; dolutegravir is available as Tivicay®.

Fixed-dose combinations can reduce daily pill counts. For example, dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine is available as Triumeq® for eligible patients. Long-acting prevention is different; those exploring HIV pre-exposure options may review Apretude® Injectable Suspension with a clinician, noting it is indicated for PrEP and not a treatment for existing infection.

Therapy selection should reflect resistance testing, comorbidities, and prior treatment history. Clinicians adjust regimens to balance efficacy, safety, and adherence needs.

Combination Therapy

3TC® should be used with other antiretrovirals. Common partners include integrase inhibitors such as dolutegravir or bictegravir, and nucleoside backbones like abacavir or tenofovir. Avoid combining lamivudine with emtricitabine because they have overlapping activity. Do not use more than one lamivudine-containing product at the same time.

During pregnancy, clinicians may select regimens with established safety data. People with hepatitis B coinfection require careful planning when starting or stopping lamivudine due to the risk of hepatitis flares.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Not everyone is a candidate for lamivudine at standard doses. Kidney function, prior pancreatitis, and concurrent hepatitis B influence dosing and follow-up. Review all prescription and OTC products for potential overlaps with other lamivudine- or emtricitabine-containing medicines.

YouDrugstore offers fair 3TC price options and helpful services. Reorder reminders make it easier to stay on schedule. Multi-month supplies may reduce per-month costs for stable regimens, and a 3TC bulk order can lower shipping costs per bottle. If you are looking for deals, see our current offers; the phrase 3TC coupon will direct you to promotions and bulk options.

People often compare the 3TC cash price with alternatives when managing budgets. Our team can explain Canadian pricing and help you complete the steps to purchase 3TC. If needed, you can also place an order by phone during posted hours. For more clinical background, visit our Hiv Infection category or read our article on testing, National Hiv Testing Day 2025 Get Tested Know Your Status. This may be useful if you are reviewing options and comparing 3TC tablets with other therapies. If needed, mention 3TC no insurance questions to customer service; they can guide you to transparent pricing.

Authoritative Sources

For detailed prescribing information, see the manufacturer and regulators:

• ViiV Healthcare Canada – 3TC manufacturer information
• Health Canada Drug Product Database (3TC/lamivudine)
• FDA Drugs@FDA: Lamivudine listings and labels

You can buy 3TC online from YouDrugstore, a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Our pharmacists review each prescription before dispensing. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping options where temperature control is needed.

Disclaimer: This page is informational and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient information that comes with your medicine. Seek medical care for urgent symptoms or suspected adverse reactions.