Abacavir: how to take it safely
Ziagen
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats HIV.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- Take it every day, even when you feel well.
When to take it
Take it once or twice a day, as prescribed.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Restarting it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or liver problems.
- Missing doses or stopping without advice. This can make the virus resistant and the medicine stop working.
- Tell your pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you take.
Possible side effects
Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, tiredness.
Get help if
Fever, rash, vomiting, severe tiredness, cough or breathlessness in the first weeks: stop it and get urgent help. Never restart it after such a reaction.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.