Abacavir+lamivudine
About
Abacavir+lamivudine belongs to a class of drugs called antiretrovirals used to treat HIV infection. Abacavir+lamivudine helps decrease the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses.
Abacavir+lamivudine is a combination of two drugs: Abacavir and Lamivudine. Both Abacavir and Lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Abacavir+lamivudine works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Together, Abacavir+lamivudine helps in treating HIV infection.
Take Abacavir+lamivudine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Abacavir+lamivudine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it based on your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience headaches, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, rash, and fever. Most of these side effects of Abacavir+lamivudine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any components present in Abacavir+lamivudine or other medicines or foods (e.g. soya or peanut). If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please consult a doctor before taking Abacavir+lamivudine. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Abacavir+lamivudine as it may pass into breast milk. Abacavir+lamivudine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. You are advised to avoid alcohol consumption with Abacavir+lamivudine as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Drive only if you are alert, as Abacavir+lamivudine may cause dizziness.
Uses of Abacavir+lamivudine
Medicinal Benefits
Abacavir+lamivudine is a combination of two drugs, Abacavir and Lamivudine, used to treat HIV infection. Both Abacavir and Lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Abacavir+lamivudine interferes with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Thus, Abacavir+lamivudine helps in treating HIV infection. Taking Abacavir+lamivudine along with practising safe sex and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of getting or transmitting HIV to others.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Abacavir+lamivudine
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Abacavir+lamivudine or other medicines, soya or peanut. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please consult a doctor before taking Abacavir+lamivudine. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Abacavir+lamivudine as it may pass into breast milk. Abacavir+lamivudine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with HIV to prevent infection from spreading to others through sexual contact or body fluids. If you experience stomach pain, vomiting or nausea while taking Abacavir+lamivudine, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be symptoms of a rare but severe side effect known as lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood). You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Abacavir+lamivudine as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Drive only if you are alert, as Abacavir+lamivudine may cause dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Abacavir+lamivudine may interact with anticancer medications (e.g. bexarotene, pexidartinib), HIV medications (e.g. emtricitabine, zalcitabine), antirheumatic drugs (e.g. leflunomide), cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. lomitapide, mipomersen), certain medicines used to treat high levels of cortisol (e.g. levoketoconazole) and medicines used to multiple sclerosis (e.g. teriflunomide).
Drug-Food Interactions: alcohol consumption should be avoided with Abacavir+lamivudine. Abacavir+lamivudine may interact with alcohol and alcohol-containing beverages. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake and Abacavir+lamivudine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Abacavir+lamivudine may interact with disease conditions, including kidney or liver impairments and pancreatic disorders (pancreatitis).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption with Abacavir+lamivudine as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
cautionAbacavir+lamivudine is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Abacavir+lamivudine as it may pass into breast milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionAbacavir+lamivudine may cause dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after taking Abacavir+lamivudine.
Liver
cautionTake Abacavir+lamivudine with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Abacavir+lamivudine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeAbacavir+lamivudine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items that can have body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, as they can make you prone to HIV infection.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as dark green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- Regular kidney and liver function tests, bone mineral density tests are recommended while taking Abacavir+lamivudine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. HIV spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Abacavir+lamivudine contains Abacavir and Lamivudine. Abacavir+lamivudine works by interfering with the functioning of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Abacavir+lamivudine helps in treating HIV infection.
HIV infection may still be transmitted to other persons while using Abacavir+lamivudine. Abacavir+lamivudine reduces the risk of transmission, but still, HIV infection is contagious. Therefore, discuss with a doctor regarding precautions to avoid transmission of HIV while taking Abacavir+lamivudine.
Abacavir+lamivudine does not cure HIV infection. Abacavir+lamivudine reduces the amount of HIV in the body and improves the immune system's functioning.
Abacavir+lamivudine may increase the risk of treatment failure. So Abacavir+lamivudine should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
Do not stop taking Abacavir+lamivudine without consulting your doctor. Stopping Abacavir+lamivudine before treatment may worsen your hepatitis. This can occur during the first few months after you stop taking Abacavir+lamivudine. Take the Abacavir+lamivudine strictly as instructed, and do not miss any dose.
