Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
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Ziagen |
Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Abacavir
Ziagen Uses
Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease. Storage
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not freeze the oral liquid.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
How
To Use - APPEARANCE: Tablet, Liquid.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often.
- Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide.
- Read and follow these instructions carefully.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
- Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
Abacavir is taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
- Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Side
Effects - Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Rapid breathing or trouble breathing.
Rapid weight gain.
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Precautions
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to abacavir, or if you have liver disease.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Drug
Interactions - Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease.
You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have 2 or more of the following groups of symptoms.
- These may be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction to the medicine:
Fever.
Rash.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Severe tiredness, aching, or general ill feeling.
Sore throat, shortness of breath, or cough.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |