Alleles In Abacavir Hypersensitivity

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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...

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HLA B-5701 Allele

I've been positive since 1999, and I learned early on through a clinical study that I have the HLA B-5701 allele. When the test for this became commercially available, my doctor ordered it for me, and the results confirmed that I have this...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

To date the clinical relevance of the HLA B5701 allele as it pertains to antiretroviral therapy is only established for its relationship to risk for abacavir hypersensitivity reaction (use is contraindicated if HLA B5701 positive) and not for any... Read more »

Abacavir Hypersensitivity

Dear Dr. Henry - I've been on cocktails containing abacavir since 1998. The one I'm on now is abacavir, d4t, agenerase and norvir. I started it almost 6 months ago. I must admit that I've taken a couple "drug holidays"...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

The risk for abacavir hypersensitivity is low (yet still exists) when abacavir is stopped and started at times when there are no symptoms suggestive of the hypersensitivity reaction. If symptoms clearly worsen with each dose then the drug must be... Read more »

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 »

Abacavir hypersensitivity?

I've been taking Trizivir and Sustiva for 2 weeks now, but a severe measles-like rash has formed all over the body, starting from the face down to the legs. My doctor thinks it could be Sustiva-related, but I'm worried and think that it...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Starting Sustiva and abacavir together at the same time not infrequently leads to your dilemma. The Sustiva rash is usually self-limited. Abacavir hypersensitivity has the following features:fever (greater than 100.9 F or 38.3 C)nausea, vomiting,... Read more »

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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 »

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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Reyataz,Norvir, Kivexa [abacavir/3TC, Epzicom].

Posted by Mondo

Is there anyone here at the forum taking the following cocktail?
I'm taking Reyataz[atazanavir], Norvir [ritonavir] and Kivexa [abacavir/3TC, Epzicom]. I would be interested to know how you are going with it and any problems or side effects that you... Read more »

Abacavir,Viread,Viramune

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I am on day 4 of my new combo.., epivir, abacar(ziagen),Viramune, and viraed. It sucks. I feel lousy all of the time..has anyone else gone down this road before?

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