Abacavir and Lamivudine

What it is used for

It is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection.

How it is taken

Adults and children weighing at least 25 kg take one tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food. Before starting, you must be tested for the HLA-B*5701 allele. This medicine cannot be dose adjusted, so it is not recommended if you have kidney problems (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) or liver problems.

Warnings

• Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with abacavir-containing products. Symptoms include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, achiness, and breathing problems. Stop the medicine and seek medical help immediately if a reaction is suspected.
• Patients who carry the HLA-B*5701 allele are at higher risk for hypersensitivity. You must be tested for this allele before starting treatment.
• If you have a hypersensitivity reaction, NEVER restart this medicine or any other abacavir-containing product, as more severe symptoms, including death, can occur within hours.
• Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients co-infected with HBV and HIV-1 who stop taking lamivudine (a component of this medicine). Liver function should be monitored for several months after stopping.

Common side effects

• Drug hypersensitivity
• Insomnia
• Depression or depressed mood
• Headache or migraine
• Fatigue or malaise
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Interactions

Methadone: An increased methadone dose may be required in a small number of patients. Sorbitol: Coadministration may decrease lamivudine concentrations; avoid chronic use if possible. Riociguat: The riociguat dose may need to be reduced.