Oral Solution, Tablet

Glaxo Smithkline

Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) is used with other medications to treat HIV infection.

Do not take Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Ziagen (abacavir sulphate)

Before using Ziagen (abacavir sulphate), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have liver problems if you have any other medical condition

Severe even fatal allergic reactions have occurred with Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). Signs or symptoms may include fever, rash, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and cough. Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) can also cause liver problems and severe lactic acid imbalance in the blood, which may be severe or life-threatening. Stop using Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) if any of these symptoms occur and contact your health care provider at once. Do not restart therapy with Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). Taking Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) after you have had an allergic reaction could be fatal.

Other: Abdominal pain, chills, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, fat redistribution, fever, generally ill feeling, headache, insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, muscle aches, nausea, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), rash, severe blisters in the mouth

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) must be taken with other medications that treat HIV infection. You will receive a medication guide and warning card that outlines the risks of Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) each time you get a refill of Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). Carefully review the medication guide provided with your prescription and carry the warning card with you at all times. Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) may be taken with or without food. When Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, and may become harder to treat. Stop using Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) if any of the following signs of an allergic reaction occur: Fever, rash, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, extreme tiredness, achiness, generally ill feeling, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and cough. These effects have been associated with the use of Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). If you stop taking Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) because of an allergic reaction, do not start taking it again. If you must stop taking Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) for any other reason (other than a serious allergic reaction), do not take Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) again without talking with your health care provider. If your health care provider decides that you may take Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) again, you should do so only in a setting with other people in case you need immediate access to a doctor. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) is not a cure for HIV and patients may continue to develop sicknesses/infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your health care provider. Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) offers no protection from the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV-1. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV virus or Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Ziagen (abacavir sulphate). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Store Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) at controlled room temperature (between 68 to 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Ziagen (abacavir sulphate) may be refrigerated.