Epivir Solution (nucleoside reverses transcriptase inhibitors-NRTI) is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. It lowers your chance of getting HIV complications and improves your quality of life.

Epivir solution is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food taken by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Epivir exactly as directed.

It controls HIV and hepatitis B infections but does not cure them. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well.

Before taking the Epivir solution, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems, and alcohol use and if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your liver problems and pancreatitis risk. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes or any other condition that requires you to limit sugar in your diet. 

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the increased risk of pancreatitis.

Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Epivir passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breastfeed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Epivir solution may cause common side effects, including:

• diarrhea
• headache
• difficulty falling sleeping or staying asleep
• depression
• stuffy nose

If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed below, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• vomiting
• nausea
• ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area but may spread to the back
• numbness, tingling or burning in the fingers or toes
• excessive tiredness; weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness;
• fast or irregular heartbeat;
• muscle pain;
• stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; shortness of breath or difficulty 
• breathing;
• flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough; or
• feeling cold, especially in the arms or legs;
• light-colored bowel movements; yellowing of the skin or eyes; loss of appetite;
• unusual bleeding or bruising; dark yellow or brown urine; or pain in the upper right of the stomach.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while on Epivir solution?

Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your liver problems and pancreatitis risk. 

Is it fine for a diabetic patient to take the Epivir solution?

Epivir solution may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes or any other condition that requires you to limit sugar in your diet.

What side effects can Epivir solution cause?

Belching, burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs may occur.