abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine

Pronunciation: a BACK a veer, la MIV yoo deen, zye DOE vyoo deen

Brand: Trizivir

Trizivir

slide 1 of 2, Trizivir,

300 mg-150 mg-300 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with GX LL1

Image of Trizivir
slide 1 of 2

Trizivir

slide 2 of 2, Trizivir,

300 mg-150 mg-300 mg, oblong, green, imprinted with GXLL1

Image of Trizivir
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What is the most important information I should know about abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine (Trizivir)?

You should not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine that contains abacavir, or if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 allele. Also, you should not use this medicine if you have moderate or severe liver disease.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have signs of an allergic reaction: fever; rash; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches; shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.

If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using Trizivir. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.

What is abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine (Trizivir)?

Abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine are antiviral medications that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine (Trizivir) is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Trizivir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Trizivir?

You should not use Trizivir if you are allergic to abacavir, lamivudine, or zidovudine, or if:

  • you have moderate or severe liver disease;
  • you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 allele (your doctor will test you for this); or
  • you have a history of allergic reaction to Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Retrovir, or Ziagen.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
  • other liver problems (especially if you also use ribavirin or interferon alfa);
  • bone marrow suppression;
  • heart problems or risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol; or
  • kidney disease.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you are overweight, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Trizivir should not be used to treat HIV in adolescents weighing less than 88 pounds (40 kilograms).

How should I take Trizivir?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Trizivir with or without food.

Trizivir comes with a Medication Guide and a Warning Card listing symptoms of an allergic reaction. Read this information and learn what symptoms to watch for. Keep the Wallet Card with you at all times.

Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using Trizivir. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. If you miss several doses, you may have a dangerous or even fatal allergic reaction once you start taking this medication again.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction from two or more of these specific side effect groups:

  • Group 1 - fever;
  • Group 2 - rash;
  • Group 3 - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
  • Group 4 - general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches;
  • Group 5 - shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.

Once you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine, you must never use it again. If you stop taking Trizivir for any reason, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • other signs of allergic reaction --skin blisters or peeling, eye redness, swelling in your face or throat, trouble breathing;
  • lactic acidosis --unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired;
  • low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;
  • low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
  • liver problems --swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

  • signs of a new infection --fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
  • trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
  • swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • weakness or tiredness;
  • nausea, vomiting; or
  • changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect this medicine?

Many drugs can affect abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine (Trizivir).

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