University of Washington
Drug Information Sheet
|
Abacavir |
Other Names: ABC, 1592U89,
Ziagen®
Manufacturer:
GlaxoSmithkline
What is it?
Abacavir is an
antiretroviral medication, specifically a nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitor. It is used to treat HIV, a retrovirus. Retroviruses use the genetic material in the
body’s cells to produce more virus which can infect other cells.
How does it work?
Abacavir
interferes with the life cycle of HIV to stop it from producing more virus. Specifically, it ties up the reverse
transcriptase enzyme so it cannot build the genetic material needed to make
more virus and infect more cells.
How do I take it?
·
Abacavir
is available as 300 mg tablets.
·
The
usual dose is 1 tablet (300mg) two times a day.
·
Abacavir
may be taken with or without food.
It is extremely important that you take
abacavir and your other antiretroviral medications exactly as directed. You should set up a system that will help
you remember to take your medicines so that you do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as
possible; however, if you skip a dose, do not take two doses at once. Do not stop taking the medication for any
reason at any time unless you are directed to do so by your study clinician. If you
are unable to continue taking your medication due to side effects, you should
contact your study clinician immediately.
Special Considerations
·
Abacavir
should be stored at controlled room temperature in a dry place, out of the
reach of children.
·
Please
bring your medication bottles (empty and partially used) to each study visit.
Interactions
Some
drugs taken together may have interactions that cause illness or impair the
effectiveness of the drugs. It is a good
idea to always check with your study clinician before taking any other
medications, prescription or otherwise, to be sure it will not interact with
abacavir.
Side Effects
Not
everyone experiences side effects. When
they do occur, they may be mild, moderate or severe. Some side effects cannot be felt by the patient but can be found
through laboratory tests, so it is important to see your study clinician
regularly for checkups so that side effects can be detected early and treated.
A fatal hypersensitivity reaction has been reported in some patients taking abacavir. Signs and symptoms of this reaction include fever, skin rash, fatigue (severe tiredness); gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; and, respiratory symptoms such as pharyngitis (sore throat), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), or cough. If these symptoms occur, contact your study clinician immediately and he or she will instruct you on what to do. If it is determined that you are having a hypersensitivity reaction, you should stop abacavir and NEVER again take this medication.
Reported
side effects of abacavir include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and
rash.
Last Update: 3/15/2000