Filter By Category
Archives
Share on -
ABACAVIR
Generic Name : ABACAVIR
ABSTRACT -
Abacavir is a carbocyclic nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor used with other antiretroviral agents for treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is converted intracellularly to carbovir triphosphate, which inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and terminates viral DNA synthesis.
DOSAGE –
- Adults: 600 mg/day orally as 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily in combination therapy.
- Pediatric dosing is weight based. HLA-B*5701 screening is required before starting therapy.
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fever or fatigue
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Sleep disturbance or malaise
(These symptoms may prove an allergic reaction to the drug.)
- Abacavir hypersensitivity syndrome: fever, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, or constitutional symptoms
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness or collapse
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Alcohol may increase abacavir exposure
- Methadone levels may be affected in some patients
- Other hepatotoxic medicines may increase liver-risk monitoring needs
- Always use as part of a complete antiretroviral regimen
PRECAUTIONS –
- Do not restart after suspected hypersensitivity reaction
- Use caution in hepatic impairment; avoid in moderate or severe hepatic impairment
- Counsel patients to carry the medication guide/warning card
- Monitor viral load, CD4 count, and liver-related symptoms
WARNINGS –
- Life-threatening hypersensitivity can occur and is strongly associated with HLA-B*5701
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis have been reported with nucleoside analogues
- Possible increased myocardial infarction risk has been reported in some observational studies
Share on -
. Developed by