23 July 2010
The Department of Health (DH) today (July 23) has drawn public attention to the safety alert issued by the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) on July 22, 2010 regarding the risk of rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of preparations containing lamivudine and telbivudine.
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissues resulting in the release of tissue contents into the bloodstream. The common symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain and muscle weakness. Although the side effects are well-documented, the quick diagnosis and treatment of the adverse effects will provide better outcome for the patient.
Lamivudine is used for the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS, and chronic hepatitis B infection, while Telbivudine is used for treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
In Hong Kong, there are eleven registered products containing lamivudine and one registered product containing telbivudine. Preparations containing lamivudine and telbivudine can only be sold on a doctor's prescription in pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist.
The information of the two ingredients will be referred to the Registration Committee of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board for review in its next meeting.
Healthcare professionals should exercise extra caution when prescribing and supplying this drug to your patients.
Patients taking these medicines should contact their healthcare professionals immediately if they present with signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, which include muscle pain and muscle weakness. They should consult their healthcare professionals if in doubt.