Home :: Abacavir, Zidovudine and Lamivudine

Abacavir, Zidovudine and Lamivudine

Generic Name: abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine

Brand Name :: Trizivir

What is Abacavir, Zidovudine and Lamivudine ?

Trizivir is a combination oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Trizivir contains abacavir (Ziagen), lamivudine(Epivir) and zidovudine (Retrovir), which are three different anti-HIV drugs with different mechanisms of action. Anti-HIV drugs are often used in combination to increase HIV suppression and to reduce the chance of the HIV virus developing resistance to any single drug. Combining these three drugs into one pill reduces the number of individual medications that a patient has to take, which makes it easier for patients to comply with therapy.

Abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine are all antiviral drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or NRTIs. This combination may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood.

How to Take Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine ?

Take Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine medicine as directed by the doctor. Take abacavir; lamivudine; zidovudine (Trizivir™) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. This drug can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

The recommended dose for adults is one tablet twice daily.

What side effects of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine?

Trizivir causes the same side effect as its component drugs, abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine. Some patients may develop a severe allergic reaction to abacavir. You may be having this reaction if you have 2 or more of the following:

• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea and stomach pain
• Fatigue
• Headache

If you think you are having a reaction, STOP taking abacavir; lamivudine; zidovudine (Trizivir™) and call your prescriber or health care professional right away. Some of these side effects may occur and not lead to an allergic reaction. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you have any questions.

Warnings and precautions for abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine

• Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine medicine is not recommended for use in patients weighing less than 88 pounds (40 kilograms) or children.
• If you stop then restart abacavir; lamivudine; zidovudine (Trizivir™) therapy, you may develop an allergic reaction, even if you have taken this drug before without any problems. If you develop a skin rash or any other symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking this drug and call your prescriber or health care professional immediately.
• Abacavir; lamivudine; zidovudine (Trizivir) will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking abacavir does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others.
• Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine (Trizivir) has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.
• Use of Abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine (Trizivir) by nursing women has not been adequately studied. Nevertheless, HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed because of the potential risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.

What drugs may interact with abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine ?

• atovaquone
• fluconazole
• valproic acid
• probenecid
• zalcitabine, ddC
• ribavirin
• methadone

Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What to do if you miss a dose of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine ?

If you miss a dose of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What if Overdose of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine ?

If you take overdose of abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine the seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

How to Store abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablet forms of esmolol in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and become less effective.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

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