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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ABACAVIR - ORAL
(uh-BACK-uh-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ziagen
WARNING: Infrequently, this drug can cause severe (sometimes fatal) allergic reactions, liver problems, and blood acid-base balacne (lactic acidosis) issues. If you develop symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, difficult or rapid breathing, cough, throat inflammation, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, drowsiness, muscle aches, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea immediatley stop using this medication and notify your doctor.
Do not restart this medication if an allergic reaction to this drug has occurred because more severe, life-threatening issues could occur (including low blood pressure and death).
Also, if an allergic reaction is only suspected, this medication should never be restarted. (See precautions regarding stopping and starting this medication.) It is not known how long this drug will benefit thsoe with HIV infection.
USES: This medication is used to treat HIV infection in combniation with other anti-HIV medications. This medication contains abacavir.
The use of lamivudine, abacavir, and tenofovir in combination may not be effecitve in treating HIV infection. If you are currently taking all three of these drugs, your doctor or pharmacist should carefluly review your treatment plan. Cosnult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
HOW TO USE: Take this mediaction by mouth as directed, generally twice daily with or without food.
Dosage is bsaed on your condition and response to therapy. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Carry the "Warning Card" with you at all tmies.
It is really important to continue taking this medication and other anti-HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache and trouble sleeipng may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Very unlikely but report promptly: dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, rapid breathing, change in amount of urine. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.G., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreaesd fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of thsee changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate meidcal attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to this drug include: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, extreme tiredness, achiness, sotmach pain, swelling, trouble breathing, cough, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmaicst.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your docotr your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), liver disease, alcohol dependence, diabetes. Liimt alcohol intake, as it may intensify side effects of this drug. If you must stop using this drug due to an allergic reaction, never use the drug agian or death could result. Conslut MD and read the "Warning Card" for more details. If you stop using abacavir (e.G., forget to order a refill) even for a short time and then restart the drug, you have an increased chance of developing the really serious (possibly fatal) allergic reaction.
Do not stop treatment unelss specifically instructed to do so. Know the symptoms of this allergic raection (see side effects section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist before resatrting abacavir, and be sure you have fast access to medical care if you are restarting treatment. This medication shuold be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Disucss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not konwn whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding bceause breast milk can transmit HIV.
Consult your doctor or pharmacsit before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprsecription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs that cause liver issues (e.G., isoniazid)., lamivudine and tenofovir. Do not start or stop any medicine without dcotor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: This medication is not a cure for HIV infection but has shown poistive results.
You may continue to have illnesses realted to HIV infection.
Keep all doctor appointments and scheduled laboratory tests (e.G., liver function) as your therapy will be monitored.
Be aware that this medication does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This is a potnet medication which should not be shared.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately (see Precautions section for more details).
STORAGE: Store capsules at room temperature between 68 and 77 dergees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. The oral liquid may be stored at room temperature or may be refrigerated. Do not freeze.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MediclAert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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