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Generic name: abacavir

Ziagen

Maker:
GlaxoSmithKline

What it does:
Helps prevent replication of HIV

Traditional dosage:
600 mg in tablets daily, administered as either 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily. Also available as an oral solution. Individuals with mild liver impairment should take 200 mg twice daily.

Drug interactions, precautions, & recommendations:
Do not take if you have moderate to severe liver impairment. If you have a severe allergic reaction, do not resume taking Ziagen or any other abacavir-containing drug (Epzicom, Trizivir). Risk of allergic reaction is higher if you have the gene variation HLA-B*5701. Do not take if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant; do not take if you breastfeed or plan on breastfeeding.

Side effects:
Most serious: severe allergic reaction, buildup of lactic acid in blood, changes in body fat or immune system, severe liver problems, increased risk of heart attack especially with other risk factors (smoking, etc)
Other: shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, trouble sleeping, fever or chills, loss of appetite, tiredness, achiness

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