I Have Hiv Can I Take Abacavir

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Abacavir (Ziagen)

Recently, researchers found that a simple blood test can identify patients who might develop the abacavir hypersensitivity reaction. The blood test looks for the HLA-B*5701 gene. This genetic test is now recommended by the FDA before prescribing abacavir. If this test comes back positive, you should add abacavir to the list of medications you are allergic to. If you have a hypersensitivity reaction, the symptoms will get worse each time you take...

Ask the Experts

abacavir hypersensitivity

I began my hiv treatment of abacavir, 3tc and efv and by the end of 6 weeks of treatment developed a rash, gastrointestinal problems and severe achiness, my doctor determined I was hypersensitive to the abacavir and discontinued all treatment until...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir generally develops over the first 1-4 weeks of use-unusual to develop after 6 weeks. Generally only occur in persons positive for HLA B5701 gene haplotype (as that checked for). I am not aware of prednisone... Read more »

Tenofovir or Abacavir

What is another name for the above HIV/AIDS medication?...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Tenofovir (= Viread and if combined with FTC=Truvada) while abacavir = Ziagen (if combined with 3TC/lamuvidine= Epzicom). KH... Read more »

abacavir and heart attacks

I have been taking abacavir (ziagen) and combivir since I became HIV + (almost 11 years ago) and sometimes I get little chest pains. Just today, I read about the possible link between heart attacks and abacavir, should I ask my doctor to get me off...

Response from Gerald Pierone, M.D.

AIDS Research and Treatment Center of the Treasure Coast

Hello and thanks for posting. You should also discuss the chest pain with your doctor since a cardiac evaluation may be necessary. In the DAD study published in the Lancet, the use of Ziagen was linked to a greater risk of heart attacks. More... Read more »

treatment with drugs-Kaletra, Abacavir, &Tenofovir

I have a friend who is HIV positive and is considering starting a treatment program that includes the medications Kaletra, Abracavir and Tenofovir. What can you tell me about their effectiveness and possible side effects? Thank you so much....

Response from Gerald Pierone, M.D.

AIDS Research and Treatment Center of the Treasure Coast

These are 3 of the most commonly used HIV medications, but it is not that common for abacavir (Ziagen) to be used in combination with tenofovir (Viread) in first line therapy due to lack of data and better options. The main toxicities with Kaletra... Read more »

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AbacavirLamivudine to treat HIV infection.

Posted by jenniferdraper

AbacavirLamivudine is used to treat HIV infection. This combination medication is used with other medications. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Read more »

Abacavir,viramune,viread

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

I'm on day 4 of my new combo Abacavir,viramune,viread, epivir and it totally sucks. I feel lousy all of the time. Is this typical when starting this combo? This is my 4th combo since diagnosis...

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Aetna & Ziagen aka Abacavir

Posted by wtxgringo, 1 Reply

So now Aetna has switched over to a generic form of Abacavir from the brand name Ziagen and while I've been getting the Rx for over 6 years from Aetna RX Home Delivery, this months refill was cancelled with the note that Abacavir is now a... Read more »

Abacavir - Hypersensitivity - EPZICOM

Posted by Survivor, 2 Replies

David, I read your Email and brought the PDF forward. Dr. Ben was very watchful when I initially got started and had follow up calls to me regarding any problems if in deed I was blinded on the Abacavir. Either I am on it and am fine or I am not... Read more »

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