Abacavir + Lamivudine

GENERIC NAME: ABACAVIR/LAMIVUDINE - ORAL (uh-BACK-uh-veer/lam-EYE-view-deen)

USES
This drug is a combination of two different antivirals, abacavir and lamivudine. It is used in combination with other antivirals drugs for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. They work by slowing the growth of the virus. Abacavir and lamivudine are also called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Antiviral drugs help to control HIV infection thereby improving your quality of life and lowering your risk of developing HIV complications (e.g., opportunistic infections, cancer). However, this drug is not a cure for HIV infection and it does not prevent HIV from passing to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing dirty needles).

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Carry the "Warning Card" with you at all times. Take this and other anti-HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not skip any doses. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines), even for a short time, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat, and worsen side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS
See also Warning section. Headache, dizziness, unusual dreams or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, increased thirst, increased urination, change in amount of urine, seizures. This medication may cause changes in your body fat (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy, and how exercise might reduce this side effect, with your doctor. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, extreme tiredness, achiness, stomach pain, swelling, trouble breathing, cough, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking abacavir/lamivudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: moderate or severe kidney disease, liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol dependence, hepatitis B infection, kidney disease, pancreatic disorders, diabetes, obesity. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. If you must stop using this drug due to an allergic reaction, never use the drug again or death could result. Consult your doctor and read the "Warning Card" for more details. It is important that you do not run out of this medication. If you stop using abacavir even for a short time (e.g., forget to order a refill) and then start it again, the chance of developing a very serious (possibly fatal) allergic reaction can increase. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting abacavir again. You should also have easy access to medical care if you restart treatment. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Lamivudine passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed because HIV can be passed through breast milk.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: zalcitabine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting abacavir/lamivudine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: methadone, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Check the labels on all your medicines for HIV infection because they may contain the same ingredients as found in this product. Taking too much of these drugs will not necessarily improve your condition, and may cause more side effects. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take the missed dose if it is within 2 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

WARNING: This drug can sometimes cause severe (and in some cases, fatal) allergic reactions and problems with the liver and blood acid-base balance (lactic acidosis). If you develop symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, difficult or rapid breathing, cough, swelling of the throat, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, drowsiness, muscle aches, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop using this medication immediately and notify your doctor. If you think you have had an allergic reaction to this drug, do not start using it again because more severe, life-threatening problems (such as very low blood pressure and death) could occur. Consult your doctor for more details. If this drug is stopped, then you must continue to be closely monitored by your doctor and have your liver function tested for at least several months.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.