abacavir Health Article

Abacavir can cause other serious side effects that may not be signs of an allergic reaction. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• lactic acidosis -- muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, nausea with vomiting, and fast or uneven heart rate;

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

• severe skin symptoms -- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• pancreatitis -- severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

• wheezing, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting;

• vision changes or increased sensitivity to light;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

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

• any other signs of new infection.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• sleep problems or strange dreams;

• headache, mood changes; or

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

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect abacavir?

Before taking abacavir, tell your doctor if you are using methadone (Methadose, Dolophine). You may need dosage adjustments during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can affect abacavir. 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 has information about abacavir written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Abacavir is available with a prescription under the brand name Ziagen. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Ziagen 300 mg-yellow, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets

• Ziagen Oral Solution 20 mg per 1 mL--colorless to pale-yellow, strawberry-banana flavored syrup

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.