abacavir and lamivudine Health Article

Other serious side effects that may not be signs of an allergic reaction include:

• stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• muscle pain or weakness, numb or tingly feeling, and nausea with vomiting;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects include:

• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk);

• sleep problems or strange dreams;

• headache, depression, anxiety; or

• mild diarrhea.

This list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects.

What other drugs will affect abacavir and lamivudine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• methadone (Methadose, Dolophine);

• ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetron, Virazole);

• interferon (Rebetron, Roferon, Intron, Alferon, Infergen, Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Actimune);

• zalcitabine (ddC, Hivid);

• lamivudine (3TC, Epivir);

• abacavir (Ziagen);

• lamivudine and zidovudine (Combivir); or

• abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine (Trizivir).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take abacavir and lamivudine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special monitoring during treatment.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect abacavir and lamivudine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about abacavir and lamivudine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.