Abacavir Oral Tablet (ABACAVIR - ORAL)

For HIV.

Brand Name(s): Ziagen

Generic Name: Abacavir

Instructions

You may break or cut the pill if necessary.

If you have trouble swallowing this medicine, please ask your pharmacist if a liquid is available.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions for all blood tests.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • bad dreams
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • liver problems
  • stuffy nose
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • feeling cold or numb, especially in arms and legs
  • fever or chills
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • muscle pain
  • muscle trembling or weakness
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • shortness of breath
  • slurred speech
  • light colored stool
  • difficulty swallowing
  • severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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