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Retrolam 150 mg Tablet

Manufactured byAlkem Laboratories Ltd.
ContainsLamivudine
Description
Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is an antiviral medicine. This medicine, at a dose of 150 mg and 300 mg, is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (a condition that occurs when the virus attacks the immune system and interferes with your body's ability to fight infections or diseases). At a dose of 100 mg, it is used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection (a viral infection causing swelling in your liver). It works by inhibiting the growth of the viruses responsible for these infections. Retrolam 150 mg Tablet shows common side effects such as cough, ear infection, fever, headache, loss of energy, nausea, and diarrhoea. These side effects usually subside with time. However, consult your doctor for further assistance if they persist or worsen. Retrolam 150 mg Tablet may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Take the medication at the same time every day for ease of remembering. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition. Follow the instructions given by your doctor about the dose and duration of treatment. Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is not recommended if you are allergic to it. It should be used with caution if you have a liver or kidney condition, pancreatitis (swelling of your pancreas), or lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream). Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. Caution should be taken if you are 65 years of age or above due to the increased risk of undesired effects.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Retrolam 150 mg Tablet

  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Dizziness
  • Ear infection

Uses of Retrolam 150 mg Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

  • HIV infection
  • Hepatitis B
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The time required for Retrolam 150 mg Tablet to show its effect is not clinically established.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    The time duration for which Retrolam 150 mg Tablet remains effective in the body is not clinically established.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Retrolam 150 mg Tablet.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Also, women with HIV infection are not recommended to breastfeed as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be passed to the baby through breastmilk.

Allergy

Avoid taking Retrolam 150 mg Tablet if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as wheezing, hives (itchy, painful eruptions that sting), difficulty in breathing, skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, etc.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Also, women with HIV infection are not recommended to breastfeed as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be passed to the baby through breastmilk.
General warnings

Immune reconstitution syndrome

Changes in your immune system can occur when you start taking Retrolam 150 mg Tablet. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. It may cause an exaggerated response making the symptoms of infection worse. Inform your doctor if you develop any new symptoms after starting treatment with Retrolam 150 mg Tablet.

Lactic acidosis

Retrolam 150 mg Tablet should be used with caution due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in the bloodstream). Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.

Liver diseases

Retrolam 150 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have liver problems, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis refers to the swelling of the pancreas, a gland that produces chemical substances which help in digestion and regulation of blood sugar. Retrolam 150 mg Tablet should be used with caution as it may cause pancreatitis. The risk is especially higher if you have a history of pancreatitis.

Kidney diseases

Retrolam 150 mg Tablet is filtered by the kidneys and should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. If you have impaired kidney function, it may cause an accumulation of this medicine in your body and increase the risk of undesired effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your clinical condition.

Fat redistribution

Retrolam 150 mg Tablet should be used with caution as it may cause fat gain or fat loss in the body. It may result in central obesity, buffalo hump (excess fat behind the neck), peripheral wasting (difficulty in moving an arm or leg or making any movement), facial wasting (fat loss in the cheeks and temples), breast enlargement, and cushingoid appearance (extra fat build up on the sides of the face and weight gain). Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Missed Dose

Do not miss the dose of Retrolam 150 mg Tablet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Do not take more than the recommended dose of Retrolam 150 mg Tablet. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine

Methotrexate

Bexarotene

Efavirenz

Emtricitabine

Disease interactions

Disease

Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Retrolam 150 mg Tablet can be taken with or without food. Take this tablet at the same time daily for ease of remembering. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting with your doctor. Taking Retrolam 150 mg Tablet will not prevent the transmission of HIV to others. Hence, avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing razors or toothbrushes. Retrolam 150 mg Tablet will not cure HIV infection, but it will delay the progression of a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other HIV-related conditions.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works
Retrolam 150 mg Tablet works by inhibiting the growth of the viruses responsible for HIV and hepatitis B infection.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nrtis)

Schedule

Schedule H

Drugs, H., 2021. Lamivudine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 18 March 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696011.html

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Epivir 150 mg and 300 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 March 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/744

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 March 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020564s37_020596s036lbl.pdf

Ema.europa.eu. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 July 2022].

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/epivir-epar-product-information_en.pdf
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Information on this page was last updated on 12 Sep 2022

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