Epivir

ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Epivir (lamivudine) at Low or No Cost

Epivir (lamivudine) is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection, helping to reduce the amount of virus in your body and keep your immune system strong. The ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides Epivir at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or on Medicare and meet income guidelines.[1][2][4]

About Epivir (lamivudine)

Epivir is a prescription medicine containing lamivudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It comes in tablets (150 mg or 300 mg) or oral solution (10 mg/mL) and is typically part of a combination therapy for HIV.[2] By blocking an enzyme the virus needs to copy itself, Epivir lowers viral load, increases CD4 cell counts, and helps prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS. It's approved for adults and children and is also used for hepatitis B (as Epivir-HBV), but this guide focuses on HIV use under ViiV's program.[1][3][4]

Important safety note: Always take Epivir as prescribed. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Report severe symptoms like pancreatitis or lactic acidosis to your doctor immediately. Never stop without medical advice, as resistance can develop.[2]

Who Qualifies for the Program?

The program helps patients facing financial hardship get free Epivir. You may qualify if:[1][4]

• You live in the 50 U.S. states, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
• You have no prescription insurance (uninsured) or have Medicare Part A, B, D, or Medicare Advantage.
• Your household income is ≤500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• You're not enrolled in Medicaid, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Puerto Rico's government health plans (like Reform or Mi Salud), or other federal/state-funded programs (except Medicare).
• You have a valid prescription for Epivir.

Key exclusion: No assistance if you're in ADAP, Medicaid, or similar government programs besides Medicare.[1]

Income Eligibility Breakdown

Eligibility is based on household income at or below 500% FPL. Use your most recent tax return, pay stubs, or other proof. FPL adjusts yearly; check current guidelines via the program or HHS.gov.

Here's a table for 2025 FPL (example; confirm latest figures):[1][4]

Add ~$26,200 per additional person. These are estimates—call (844) 588-3288 for exact thresholds and your situation.[1]

Insurance Requirements

• Uninsured: Fully eligible if other criteria met.
• Medicare: Eligible for Part A/B/D/Advantage if you show financial need and aren't in excluded programs.
• Ineligible: Medicaid, ADAP, other government plans (except Medicare), or private insurance that covers Epivir.[1][4]

Proof needed: Insurance denial letter or statement confirming status.[1]

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Get a prescription: Ask your doctor for Epivir and confirm it's for HIV treatment.
2. Check eligibility: Call (844) 588-3288 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8 PM ET) or visit gskpaf.org/viiv. Language help available.[1]
3. Gather documents:
   • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease).
   • Proof of income (tax return, W-2, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letter).
   • Prescription (signed by doctor).
   • Proof of insurance status (denial letter or Medicare card).[1]
4. Apply: Multiple methods—call the number above, download form online, or have your doctor submit. No online portal listed; phone is primary.[1]
5. Submit: Mail/fax documents as instructed. Program reviews quickly.
6. Wait for approval: If approved, medication ships free.[1]

Tip: Have everything ready before calling to speed things up.

Timeline and Delivery

Processing time isn't specified, but programs like this often approve in days to weeks. Call for status updates. Approved meds ship directly to your home or doctor's office at no cost. Refills require reauthorization.[1]

Reauthorization and Refills

Reauthorization is required—typically annually or as supply ends. For oral meds like Epivir, call 1-888-434-8111 for refills. Your doctor may need to reconfirm need.[1]

Alternatives if Denied

• ViiVConnect Co-Pay Assistance: For commercially insured; call same number.[4]
• ADAP: State programs for uninsured/underinsured HIV patients.
• Patient Advocate Foundation: Copay help up to 400% FPL (copays.org).[3]
• PAN Foundation: HIV copay grants up to $5,000/year (panapply.org, 1-866-316-7263).[8]
• Prescription Hope: Flat $50/month for eligible uninsured.[3]
• State AIDS Drug Programs: Search hiv.gov.

No biosimilars for Epivir listed.[1]

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of 2026. Eligibility, income limits, and rules can change—always verify with ViiV at (844) 588-3288.[1] Not medical advice; consult your doctor. ViiV Healthcare reserves rights to modify/terminate the program. Word count: 950.