ZIAGEN

Who is Ziagen for ?

Abacavir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Abacavir is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by slowing the spread of HIV infection in the body. Abacavir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Abacavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

Abacavir is also used sometimes in combination with other antiviral medications to prevent HIV infection in people who have been exposed to it. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

this medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Ziagen ?

Abacavir may cause severe allergic reactions that can lead to death. Stop taking abacavir and call your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or at least one symptom from two of the following groups:

• fever
• excessive tiredness
• upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
• sore throat, shortness of breath, or cough

The Warning Card your pharmacist gives you will have a written list of these symptoms. Carry the card with you.

If you stop taking abacavir because you had an allergic reaction, never take abacavir again. If you stop taking abacavir for any other reason, do not start taking it again without talking to your doctor.

Abacavir may cause serious liver damage and a blood condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: unusual bleeding or bruising; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or upset stomach and tiredness that do not get better.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to abacavir.

Before taking abacavir,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to abacavir or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the following: methadone. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• in addition to the condition listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking abacavir, call your doctor. You should not breast-feed while taking abacavir.
• talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking this medication.

Side Effects

Abacavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• tiredness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• muscle or joint pain
• headache
• pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• pink eye
• bruises in the mouth

Abacavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.