Abacavir, Lamivudine, Zidovudine

Mylan Laboratories | Abacavir, Lamivudine, Zidovudine (Medication)

Desc:

Abacavir is an antiviral drug. It is used in combination with other antiviral medicines to treat adults and children infected with HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Abacavir belongs to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

It is available in combination with lamivudine as the Kivexa and lamivudine and zidovudine, as the Trizivir.

These three drugs can be used separately with other medicines to treat HIV infection combined or together. Dose of each active ingredient in Trizivir is the same as that used in medicines taken separately. ...

Side Effect:

Side effects may include the following:fever; shortness of breath, sore throat or cough; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain; tiredness, pain or feeling sick. Headache, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

The following unlikely but serious side effects occur:mental/mood changes (such as depression), tingling/numbness of hands or feet, muscle weakness, stomach/back pain with nausea (pancreatitis).

Some rare but very serious side effects may also occur:easy bleeding/bruising, signs of anemia (unusual tiredness, rapid heartbeat, pale/bluish skin). Changes in body fat (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs) may occur while you are taking HIV medication.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. ...

Precaution:

Before taking abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), alcohol use, low red/white blood cell counts.

Abacavir may increase your risk of a heart attack. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and ways to lower your risk of heart disease.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. You should also limit alcoholic beverages, because they can increase dizziness and increase the risk of liver problems and pancreatitis. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially pancreatitis.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. However, HIV medicines are now usually given to pregnant women with HIV. Treatment has been shown to decrease the risk of HIV transmission to the baby. Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine may be part of that treatment. It is not known if abacavir passes into breast milk. However, lamivudine and zidovudine pass into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed. ...