Abacavir
Generic Name:
Abacavir
Brand Names:
Abacavir Description:
Abacavir belongs to a class of antiviral drugs known as nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Abacavir is used alongside other medications to treat patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HIV is a potentially life-threatening virus that attacks the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off dangerous bacteria and infection. While abacavir will not cure HIV, it inhibits the virus from reproducing and slows its progression throughout the body.
Abacavir will not prevent the transmission of HIV. Patients undergoing treatment with abacavir should be aware that they can still pass the virus on to others through unprotected sex or the sharing of needles.
Abacavir Side Effects:
The most common side effects of abacavir include:
For more information, see our abacavir side effects page.
Abacavir Uses:
Abacavir is used in conjunction with other medications to treat both child and adult patients who have been infected with HIV. The medication is used to prevent or prolong the onset of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can lead to a variety of fatal complications.
Abacavir Interactions:
Abacavir may interact with the following medications:
- Methadone
- Epzicom (abacavir and lamivudine)
- Trizivir (abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine)
Abacavir may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with abacavir.
Abacavir Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Abacavir dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should take abacavir exactly as prescribed.
Abacavir is administered in the form of an oral tablet and an oral solution. Adult patients usually take 600 mg of abacavir per day. This daily dosage can either be taken in a single dose or in two doses of 300 mg.
Children weighing between 14 to 21 kg usually take a total daily dosage of 300 mg. Children weighing more than 21 kg but less than 30 kg typically take a total daily dosage of 450 mg. Children weighing more than 30kg generally take a total daily dosage of 600 mg.
Missing a Dose of Abacavir
Patients should take all doses of abacavir on time. Doing so is essential to preventing the progression of HIV.
If you do happen to forget to take a dose of abacavir, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the appropriately scheduled time.
Abacavir Overdose
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
Abacavir FDA Approval:
December 17, 1998
Abacavir Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Black Box Warning
Abacavir carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medication can cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in some cases. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
Patients with a gene variation known as HLA-B*5701-negative are at particularly high risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to abacavir. Gene testing is recommended before the initiation of abacavir treatment.
Recalls
In 2008, Advantage Dose LLC recalled certain lots of the abacavir-containing medication Ziagen because the products were not in conformance with the Good Manufacturing Practices established by the FDA. The actions constituted a Class II recall.
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