Retrolam

Retrolam Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Retrolam is a synthetic nucleoside analogue. Retrolam is phosphorylated intracellularly to lamivudine triphosphate. Incorporation of the monophosphate form into viral DNA occurs by hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase. As a result DNA chain is terminated. Retrolam triphosphate also inhibits the RNA and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Retrolam triphosphate is a very weak inhibitor of mammalian alpha, beta, and gamma-DNA polymerases.

Retrolam is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) with activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) to disrupt viral DNA synthesis. When phosphorylated, lamivudine can form active metabolites that compete for incorporation into viral DNA. Via DNA incorporation, lamivudine metabolites competitively inhibit the activity of the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme and act as a chain terminator of DNA synthesis. Due to the lack of a 3'-OH group, incorporated nucleoside analogues prevent the formation of a 5' to 3' phosphodiester linkage that is essential for DNA chain elongation.

Trade Name Retrolam
Availability Prescription only
Generic Lamivudine
Lamivudine Other Names Lamivudin, Lamivudina, Lamivudine, Lamivudinum
Related Drugs Biktarvy, Truvada, tenofovir, entecavir, ritonavir, zidovudine, abacavir, emtricitabine, Vemlidy, Complera
Type Injection, Tablet
Formula C8H11N3O3S
Weight Average: 229.256
Monoisotopic: 229.052111923
Protein binding

<36% bound to plasma protein.

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class Hepatic viral infections (Hepatitis B)
Manufacturer Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Available Country India
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Retrolam
Retrolam

Uses

Retrolam is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B associated with evidence of hepatitis B viral replication and active liver inflammation.

Retrolam is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Hepatitis B Chronic Infection, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections

How Retrolam works

Retrolam is a synthetic nucleoside analogue and is phosphorylated intracellularly to its active 5'-triphosphate metabolite, lamivudine triphosphate (L-TP). This nucleoside analogue is incorporated into viral DNA by HIV reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase, resulting in DNA chain termination.

Dosage

Retrolam dosage

The recommended oral dose of Retrolam for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in adults is 100 mg once daily.

Side Effects

Several serious adverse events reported with lamivudine (lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, post treatment exacerbations of hepatitis B, pancreatitis, and emergence of viral mutants associated with reduced drug susceptibility and diminished treatment response). Malaise, fatigue, fever, ENT infections, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, pain, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, skin rashes may occur. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, have been reported.

Toxicity

The most common reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥15%) in adults were headache, nausea, malaise and fatigue, nasal signs and symptoms, diarrhea, and cough.

Precaution

Patients should be assessed before beginning treatment and during treatment with lamivudine by a physician experienced in the management of chronic hepatitis B.

Interaction

Trimethoprim 160 mg / Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg once daily has been shown to increase lamivudine exposure (AUC). The effect of higher doses of trimethoprim /sulfamethoxazole on lamivudine pharmacokinetics has not been investigated.

Food Interaction

  • Take with or without food. Food delays drug absorption, but not to a clinically significant extent.

Retrolam Cholesterol interaction

[Major] The reverse transcriptase inhibitors, didanosine (ddI), zalcitabine (ddC), stavudine (d4T) and lamivudine (3TC), may cause pancreatitis.

The incidence is generally low but is approximately 7% with ddI, and up to 15% in pediatric patients given 3TC.

Patients with a history of or known risk factors for pancreatitis, such as alcohol abuse or hypertriglyceridemia, should be monitored closely during therapy with these agents.

Therapy should be discontinued at the first signs or symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia with dysglycemia, rising triglycerides, decreasing serum calcium), and preferably permanently discontinued if clinical pancreatitis develops.

Retrolam Disease Interaction

Major: hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, renal dysfunction

Volume of Distribution

Apparent volume of distribution, IV administration = 1.3 ± 0.4 L/kg. Volume of distribution was independent of dose and did not correlate with body weight.

Elimination Route

Retrolam was rapidly absorbed after oral administration in HIV-infected patients. Absolute bioavailability in 12 adult patients was 86% ± 16% (mean ± SD) for the 150-mg tablet and 87% ± 13% for the oral solution. The peak serum lamivudine concentration (Cmax) was 1.5 ± 0.5 mcg/mL when an oral dose of 2 mg/kg twice a day was given to HIV-1 patients. When given with food, absorption is slower, compared to the fasted state.

Half Life

5 to 7 hours (healthy or HBV-infected patients)

Clearance

  • Renal clearance = 199.7 ± 56.9 mL/min [300 mg oral dose, healthy subjects]
  • Renal clearance = 280.4 ± 75.2 mL/min [single IV dose, HIV-1-infected patients]
  • Total clearance = 398.5 ± 69.1 mL/min [HIV-1-infected patients]

Elimination Route

The majority of lamivudine is eliminated unchanged in urine by active organic cationic secretion. 5.2% ± 1.4% (mean ± SD) of the dose was excreted as the trans-sulfoxide metabolite in the urine. Retrolam is excreted in human breast milk and into the milk of lactating rats.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There is no adequate and well-controlled study in pregnant women. Retrolam should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Although it is not known if lamivudine is excreted in human milk, there is the potential for adverse effects from lamivudine in nursing infants. Mothers should be instructed not to breast feed if they are receiving lamivudine.

Contraindication

Retrolam is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any of the components of the product.

Special Warning

It is recommended that doses of Retrolam should be adjusted in accordance with renal function. Dosage adjustment of Retrolam in accordance with creatinine clearance is as follows:

  • CrCl 50 ml/min: 100 mg once daily
  • CrCl 30-49 ml/min: 100 mg first dose, then 50 mg once daily
  • CrCl 15-29 ml/min: 100 mg first dose, then 25 mg once daily
  • CrCl 5-14 ml/min: 35 mg first dose, then 15 mg once daily
  • CrCl <5 ml/min: 35 mg first dose, then 10 mg once daily

Use in children: Safety and efficacy of lamivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children have not been established.

Storage Condition

Store below 30˚C. Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Retrolam

Retrolam contains Lamivudine see full prescribing information from innovator Retrolam Monograph, Retrolam MSDS, Retrolam FDA label

FAQ

What is Retrolam used for?

Retrolam is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children 3 months of age and older. Retrolam is used to treat hepatitis B infection.

How safe is Retrolam?

Retrolam is generally well tolerated as monotherapy. This study demonstrated that Retrolam treatment for up to 6 years has an excellent safety profile in patients with HBeAg-positive compensated liver disease, but patients with long-standing lamivudine-resistant mutations may experience worsening liver disease.

How does Retrolam work?

Retrolam works by decreasing the amount of HIV and hepatitis B in the blood.

What are the common side effects of Retrolam?

Common side effects of Retrolam include:

  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • nausea,
  • diarrhea,
  • trouble sleeping,
  • cough,
  • tired feeling,
  • runny or stuffy nose, or
  • changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).

Is Retrolam safe during pregnancy?

Retrolam treatment is safe for chronic HBV-infected pregnant mothers and their fetuses with a gestational age of less than 12 wk or throughout the entire pregnancy.

Is Retrolam safe during breastfeeding?

Retrolam and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are safe for breastfeeding women, according to a new review of the evidence. Although evidence has accumulated on the efficacy and safety of these two drugs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) during pregnancy, their safety during breastfeeding has not been well studied.

Can I drink alcohol with Retrolam?

Side effects from Retrolam such as nausea/vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache, or problems with sleep may get worse if you drink alcohol-containing drinks. Avoid alcohol-containing drinks while taking Retrolam.

When is the best time to take Retrolam?

Retrolam is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food.

How many time can I take Retrolam daily?

Retrolam is usually taken once a day.

How much Retrolam take daily?

Adults, 300 milligrams (mg) once a day or 150 mg 2 times a day. Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight taken 2 times a day, or 10 mg per kg once a day.

How effective is Retrolam?

a 4-week course of Retrolam was safe and effective in suppression of HBV DNA in Chinese HBsAg carriers. The suppression was >90% but reversible. Studies with long-term Retrolam administration should be performed to determine if prolonged suppression of HBV DNA can be achieved.

Does Retrolam cause liver damage?

Retrolam is a very rare cause of clinically apparent drug induced liver injury, but is associated with flares of underlying hepatitis B during therapy or with abrupt withdrawal.

Can I take Retrolam for a long time?

Retrolam is used for long-term treatment. There can be very serious health consequences if you don't take this drug exactly how your doctor tells you.

How long can one take Retrolam?

Patients will stop Retrolam for short periods (1 week, and later for 2, 4 and 8 weeks) and be monitored during and for 12 weeks afterwards for aminotransferase levels.

Who should not take Retrolam?

You should not take lamivudine if you are allergic to it. You should not take Epivir-HBV (for treating hepatitis B) if you also take other medicine that contains lamivudine or emtricitabine, which includes Atripla, Biktarvy, Cimduo, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Emtriva, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, Symfi, Triumeq, Trizivir, and Truvada. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C, or a liver transplant); pancreatitis; kidney disease; or diabetes (liquid lamivudine contains 3 to 4 grams of sucrose per dose).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Can I stop taking Retrolam?

Do not stop taking Retrolam without talking to your doctor. When your supply of Retrolam starts to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss doses or stop taking Retrolam, your condition may become more difficult to treat.

Can I overdose on Retrolam?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of Retrolam can cause mitochondrial toxicity and lactic acidosis. An intoxication with dolutegravir appears to be relatively harmless. As Triumeq will be used on a regular basis as treatment for patients with HIV-1 infection, these intoxications are expected to be encountered more often.

Can Retrolam affect my kidneys?

Effectiveness of Retrolam therapy in dialysis patients is comparable with that in patients with normal function of kidney. Retrolam treatment is well tolerated and safe in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis and kidney-transplantation.

Can Retrolam affects my liver?

Retrolam can cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Does Retrolam gain my weight?

Weight gain is a common side effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Does Retrolam drugs affect fertility?

Antiretroviral use has been associated with a lower likelihood of conception in a recent prospective cohort study conducted at six US centers.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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