Abacavir

U.S. BRAND NAMES — Ziagen®
CANADIAN BRAND NAMES — Ziagen®
MEXICAN BRAND NAMES — Ziagenavir
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Nucleoside)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
Dangerous allergic reactions can occur. Tell healthcare provider about any fever, rash, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing. Never restart this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction. Swollen liver and an acid condition in the blood have occurred with the use of this medicine.
Please read the medication guide given to you.
REASONS NOT TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE If you have an allergy to abacavir or any other part of this medicine. Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved. If you have liver disease.
What is this medicine used for? This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work? Abacavir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken? Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better. This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines. Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital) Take a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra doses. Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine? Do not run out of this medicine. Wear disease medical alert identification. Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines. Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom. Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine? Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Weight gain. Diarrhea. Not hungry.
What should I monitor? Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same? Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider. Follow up with healthcare provider.
REASONS TO CALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911. Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Allergic reaction (fever, rash, feeling tired, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, or flu-like symptoms). Stop medicine and talk with healthcare provider right away! Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Any rash. No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine? Store tablets at room temperature. Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen. Store liquid (solution) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
GENERAL STATEMENTS If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times. Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant). Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins. Read the package insert for more details.