Abacavir tablets
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What are abacavir tablets?
ABACAVIR (Ziagen®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Abacavir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Abacavir may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Abacavir is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Abacavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic abacavir tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to abacavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take abacavir tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. Abacavir can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with abacavir?
• alcohol
• methadone
• ribavirin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking abacavir?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.
A small number of people might have a severe allergic reaction to abacavir. If you have a skin rash or two or more of the following symptoms you may be having this type of reaction: fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, severe tiredness, aches, or generally feeling sick. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card given to you by your pharmacist. You should carry this Warning Card with you. If you notice these symptoms while taking abacavir, stop taking abacavir and call your prescriber or health care professional immediately. If you have this serious reaction, you must never take abacavir (Ziagen®), abacavir; lamivudine; zidovudine (Trizivir™), or abacavir; lamivudine (Epzicom™) again.
If you stop taking abacavir for another medical reason and restart therapy, you may develop an allergic reaction, even if you have taken abacavir before without any problems. If you develop a skin rash or any other symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking abacavir and call your prescriber or health care professional immediately. This reaction may occur days to weeks after you restart abacavir therapy.
Abacavir will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking abacavir does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.
What side effects might I notice from taking abacavir?
Some patients may develop a severe allergic reaction to abacavir. You may be having this reaction if you have 2 or more of the following:
• skin rash
• fever
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough
• fatigue, achiness, general discomfort such as flu-like symptoms
If you think you are having a reaction, STOP taking abacavir and call your prescriber or health care professional right away. Some of these side effects may occur and not lead to an allergic reaction. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you have any questions.
Other side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• bone pain
• changes in body appearance (such as weight gain or loss around the waist and/or face)
• numbness or tingling
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue):
• headache
• loss of appetite
• trouble sleeping
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
