Other names:  Ziagen, 1592U89, Trizivir(in combination with zidovudine/AZT and lamivudine/3TC)

WHY is this medication prescribed ?

Abacavir belongs to the class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.  It is used together with other antiretrovirals to slow down the progression of HIV infection. 

Abacavir does not cure AIDS or kill the HIV virus, but helps to prevent further damage by slowing down production of new viruses.  Treatment with abacavir does not reduce the risk of passing infection on to others.  As the effect of abacavir may decrease with time, it is important that your progress is assessed regularly.

HOW should this drug be taken ?

Abacavir (Ziagen) is supplied as 300 mg film-coated tablets, or as a 20 mg/mL oral solution.

Abacavir is also available in a combination product, Trizivir.  Each tablet of Trizivir contains 300 mg zidovudine, 150 mg lamivudine and 300 mg abacavir.

In general, the dose of abacavir is 300 mg (one tablet or 3 teaspoonfuls/15 mL oral solution) twice daily.

Abacavir may be taken with or without food.

What should you do if you FORGET a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of the next dose.  If this is the case,  just carry on with your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the dose.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?

Most side effects reported with abacavir are mild, and may include nausea, headache, or decreased energy.  If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.

Rarely, a severe reaction called a hypersensitivity reaction can occur with abacavir (4% of patients).  This reaction usually occurs in the first 6 weeks of taking abacavir.  Many, but not all,  people will develop a skin rash.  This reaction can also include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, fatigue and general malaise.  Other possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, skin blistering, swelling of the neck,  red eyes, shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat and low blood pressure.

Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or two other symptoms listed above while taking abacavir.  You will need to be assessed, and the drug may need to be discontinued permanently.  If you are told to stop abacavir, you MUST NEVER take abacavir (Ziagen) or Trizivir again since doing so could cause a life-threatening reaction. 

If you cannot reach your doctor or pharmacist, you can also reach the Canadian Ziagen Support Line which is a 24-hour toll-free bilingual line.  The phone number is 1-800-868-8898.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.

What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?

Abacavir can interact with other drugs.  It is important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.

The safety of abacavir has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding.  Safety of abacavir has not been established in children.  Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern.

How should this medication be STORED?

Store abacavir tablets and liquid at room temperature (2-30 C).  KEEP THIS AND ANY OTHER DRUGS OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE ("EXP") shown on the outside of the package.

Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen as heat and moisture may cause the medication to lose potency.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.

WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.

A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.