Uses of Abacavir+Lamivudine

The combination of Abacavir + Lamivudine is used in the treatment of HIV infection.

Therapeutic Category

Abacavir: Antiviral agents

Lamivudine: Antiviral agents

How Abacavir+Lamivudine works

Both Abacavir and Lamivudine works by blocking the actions of certain viral enzymes (HIV-reverse transcriptase) that is required for the viral cell to grow and multiply. It also increases the number of certain types of white blood cells (CD4) in the body which helps in increasing immunity.

Common side effects of Abacavir+Lamivudine

• difficulty in sleeping
• feeling depressed
• headache, tiredness, dizziness
• nausea, diarrhoea
• fever, skin rash
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• irritated or runny nose
• hair loss

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of allergic reactions, signs of infections (such as fever, headache, stomach-ache, breathing difficulty), signs of auto-immune disorders (such as rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremor, hyperactivity, general weakness)
• signs of osteonecrosis (death of bone cells causing joint stiffness, pain in the hip, knee or shoulder and difficulty in moving)
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye, dark urine, light-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea, pain, tenderness on the right side of stomach
• changes in body fat (such as increase fat in the shoulder and neck (buffalo hump), breast, and in the middle body or fat loss from the legs, arms, or face)

Health Tips for Abacavir+Lamivudine

• Abacavir + Lamivudine can be taken with or without meals. Follow the dosing schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results
•  Before taking Abacavir + Lamivudine, inform your doctor if you have diabetes or any liver (hepatitis C or B infection), kidney or heart problems
• Even if you take Abacavir + Lamivudine, it is important for you to follow certain measures to prevent the spread of infections to the other people (such as avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing needles or personal items like toothbrush, razors etc with other people)
• Abacavir + Lamivudine is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it