|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
Abacavir (a-BAK-a-veer) is used, in combination with other medicines, in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Abacavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Abacavir will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For abacavir, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to abacavir. This medicine should not be taken if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, because it could cause another severe reaction that may result in death. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Abacavir has not been studied in pregnant women. However, it has been found to cause birth defects and other problems in animals at doses many times the human dose. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether abacavir passes into breast milk. However, because of the possibility that this medicine could cause unwanted effects in nursing babies and the risk of passing HIV on to the infant, breast-feeding is usually not recommended.
Children--This medicine has been tested in children 3 months of age and older and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of abacavir in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter
[OTC]) medicine. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Do not take
it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Dosing--The dose of abacavir will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the
directions on the label
. The following information includes only the
average doses of abacavir. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage--To store this medicine: This
medicine may cause a severe allergic reaction in some patients. This reaction
usually occurs within 6 weeks after the medicine is started but may occur
at any time. If untreated, it can lead to severe low blood pressure and even
death. Stop taking this medicine and check with your
doctor immediately if you notice sudden fever, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea,
stomach pain, vomiting, or a feeling of unusual tiredness or illness, cough,
shortness of breath, or sore throat. When you begin taking this medicine, you will be given a warning card which
describes symptoms of severe allergic reactions that may be caused by abacavir.
The warning card also provides information about how to treat these allergic
reactions. For your safety, you should carry the warning card with you at
all times. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may
cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur,
if they do occur they may need medical attention. Stop taking this medicine
and get emergency help immediately
if any of the following side effects
occur: Less common Abdominal or stomach pain; cough; diarrhea; difficult or labored breathing; fever; headache; joint or muscle pain; nausea; numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face; redness and soreness of eyes; shortness of breath; skin rash; sore throat; sores in mouth; swelling
of feet or lower legs; vomiting; unusual feeling of discomfort or illness; unusual
tiredness
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Side Effects of This Medicine
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Abdominal swelling; decreased appetite; fast, shallow breathing; sleepiness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Headache
Less common
Trouble in sleeping
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 06/14/1999
Revised: 09/28/2000
| Micromedex, Inc. Disclaimer |
| Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources |
|
U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
Copyright and Privacy Policy, We welcome your comments. Last updated: 24 January 2001 |