Abacavir Oral

In Depth

Generic Name: ABACAVIR - ORAL
Pronounced: (a-BAK-a-vir)

Abacavir Oral Warning

In some patients, abacavir has caused a serious (sometimes fatal) allergic reaction after the drug is restarted or continued. Symptoms may include any of the following: fever, rash, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle aches, sore throat, mouth sores, swollen glands (lymph nodes), cough, breathing problems. You may still have an allergic reaction to abacavir even if you do not have a rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. If you have stopped taking abacavir because of an allergic reaction, you must never take any form of abacavir again. Notify all of your doctors and pharmacists if you have stopped taking abacavir due to an allergic reaction. Read the warning card provided with this medication for more details.

Rarely, abacavir has caused a severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood problem (lactic acidosis). Immediately tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems (e.g., persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin) or lactic acidosis (e.g., rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches).

Abacavir Oral Side Effects

See also Warnings section.

Trouble sleeping or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

mental/mood changes (depression)

Use of this drug increases your risk of pancreatitis. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

stomach/back pain with or without nausea/vomiting

Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.

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