How does it work?

Abacavir sulfate is a medicine used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, the body cannot fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it multiplies. When viruses multiply the genetic material is copied (this involves the conversion of RNA to DNA). Abacavir works by interfering with this copying process. It blocks an enzyme (called reverse transcriptase) which is essential for the copying process, therefore the virus cannot multiply. There is no cure for HIV, but abacavir is one of a number of medicines that slows the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. Abacavir can be used in conjunction with other anti-HIV drugs to prevent resistance occurring.

What is it used for?

HIV infection

Warning!

Abacavir may cause a severe or life threatening allergic reaction. This allergic reaction generally presents with fever and/or a rash as part of the syndrome. There are however possibly other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sore throat, cough and gut disturbances that have the potential to be misdiagnosed. You should contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY should you develop any of these signs or symptoms.

People should be assessed by their doctor every 2 weeks, especially during the first 2 months of treatment.

People who are diagnosed with an allergic reaction whilst on therapy MUST discontinue treatment immediately. If a previous allergic reaction to abacavir has occured, therapy MUST NEVER be restarted.

It is important that this medicine is taken on a regular basis.

If an allergic reaction occurs, all remaining medicine should be returned to the pharmacy.

Use with caution in

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Children

End stage kidney disease

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended that women infected with the HIV virus must not breastfeed their infants under any circumstances, in order to avoid transmission of the virus to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Diarrhoea

Fatigue

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Fever (pyrexia)

Nausea and vomiting

Tiredness (lethargy)

Loss of appetite

Elevated levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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