Abacavir

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat HIV infection. It is usually taken with 2 other medicines.

How does it work?

• Abacavir stops the HIV virus from increasing. It blocks reproduction of the virus.

How is it best taken?

• The medicine must be taken exactly as directed.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine 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?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Carry a warning card with you (given to you with the medicine).
• Do not run out of this medication. Get it refilled today!
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May increase side effects.
• 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.
• Protect against sexual spread of disease. Use an effective method of birth control. Talk with healthcare provider if you have questions.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help. Seen often in children.
• Not hungry or no appetite. Seen often in children.
• Feeling tired. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache.
• Anemia and low white blood cell count (can get infections easier).
• Allergic reaction (fever, rash, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain). Do not take anymore and talk with healthcare provider now!

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.
• Can store liquid (solution) in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

General statements

• 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, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
• Read medication guide given to you with medicine.

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