Indications And Dose
HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs ▶BY MOUTH ▶Adult: 600 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses Infection
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Drug reference
HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs ▶BY MOUTH ▶Adult: 600 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses Infection
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HIV load greater than 100 000 copies/mL. patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (especially if 10-year cardiovascular risk greater than 20%)
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Caution—increased risk of hypersensitivity reaction in presence of HLA-B*5701 allele.
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Test for HLA-B*5701 allele before treatment or if restarting treatment and HLA- B*5701 status not known.
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Flavours of oral liquid formulations may include banana, or strawberry.
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→Appendix 1: abacavir
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▶Common or very common Appetite decreased. fever. lethargy ▶Rare or very rare Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) ▶Frequency not known Hypersensitivity. weight increased SIDE-EFFECTS, FURTHER INFORMATION Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions have been reported- characterised by fever or rash and possibly nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dyspnoea, cough, lethargy, malaise, headache, and myalgia; less frequently mouth ulceration, oedema, hypotension, sore throat, acute respiratory distress syndrome, anaphylaxis, paraesthesia, arthralgia, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, lymphocytopenia and renal failure; rarely myolysis. Laboratory abnormalities may include raised liver function tests and creatine kinase; symptoms usually appear in the first 6 weeks, but may occur at any time. Discontinue immediately if any symptom of hypersensitivity develops and do not rechallenge (risk of more severe hypersensitivity reaction).
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Manufacturer advises caution in mild impairment; consider avoiding in moderate to severe impairment (no information available).
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Manufacturer advises avoid in end- stage renal disease.
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Monitor for symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction every 2 weeks for 2 months.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Oral solution EXCIPIENTS: May contain Propylene glycol ▶Ziagen (ViiV Healthcare UK Ltd) Abacavir (as Abacavir sulfate) 20 mg per 1 ml Ziagen 20mg/ml oral solution sugar-free | 240 ml P £55.72 Tablet ▶Abacavir (Non-proprietary) Abacavir (as Abacavir sulfate) 300 mg Abacavir 300mg tablets | 60 tablet P £177.60–£177.61 ▶Ziagen (ViiV Healthcare UK Ltd) Abacavir (as Abacavir sulfate) 300 mg Ziagen 300mg tablets | 60 tablet P £208.95
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Patients and their carers should be told the importance of regular dosing (intermittent therapy may increase the risk of sensitisation), how to recognise signs of hypersensitivity, and advised to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop or before re-starting treatment. Patients should be provided with an alert card and advised to keep it with them at all times.
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600 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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