What condition does Abacavir-Lamivudine treat?
Abacavir-Lamivudineis an oral medication usually recommended for use to lessen the amount of HIV infection in the body. The medicine helps the immune system to work better. Abacavir-Lamivudinewill lower your chance of getting HIV complications such as:
- New infections
- Cancer
This medicine decreases the virus’s ability to reproduce and grow. This also prevents it from becoming resistant to treatment.
Abacavir-Lamivudineis always used in combination with other anti-HIV medications that attack HIV in different ways. Taking Abacavir-Lamivudine along with other HIV medications will help you live longer and healthier lives.
How does Abacavir-Lamivudine work?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, specifically the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells usually work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, over time the body becomes less able to fight the virus. Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it increases. Part of the process of viral multiplication includes the transformation of the virus genetic material, RNA to DNA. This is achieved by a compound essential to the virus, called reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is a compound known as an enzyme.
Abacavir-Lamivudineworks by blocking the action of this enzyme. In that way, it interferes with the conversion of viral RNA into DNA. This stops the virus from growing.
What is the recommended dosage for Abacavir-Lamivudine?
This medication is to be taken by mouth. Take each dose with a full glass of water. The medicine is usually taken once a day or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition.
It is very important to continue taking this medicine and other HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dosage or stop taking this drug even for a short time, or take this more often than prescribed unless directed to do so by your doctor. Changing or skipping your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of the virus to increase which can make the infection more difficult to treat or worsen side effects.
What are the side effects of Abacavir-Lamivudine?
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mouth sores
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Feeling unwell
- Muscle pain
What are the precautions in taking Abacavir-Lamivudine?
- Before taking the medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any allergies.
- Use this drug with caution in people 65 years of age and those with liver disease.
- This is not recommended for those with decreased kidney function.
- Consult your doctor first if you are a pregnant woman before taking a dose.
- Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially pancreatitis.
- Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medication. The drug may pass into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby might be affected. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits involved.
