How Does Abacavir Work With Hiv

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Get the Facts

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

Is videx, zerit, abacavir a potent combination?

I would really appreciate another opinion, because I'm working out of my own country and have to decide whether it is okay to stay here using the drugs available in this country (South Africa) or return home. I have been on Combivir and...

Response from Judith A. Aberg, M.D.

Washington University, St. Louis School of Medicine

You do not state what your CD4 count was when you started. This may be important if you would want to consider stopping therapy until there are more options available for you in South Africa.You initially were on Combivir, a fixed combination of... 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 »

"incapcitating fatigue with Abacavir."

Dr Bob,Thanks for all your hard work, patience and above all compassion.I am a 42 y/o WM with a very healthy lifestyle that has had an undetectable VL and high T count within 3 months of starting my first meds (Epzicom and Kaltera). However, after...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hey ATX Googler,Abacavir can be associated with a number of potential side effects, including the hypersensitivity reaction, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, skin rash, dizziness and changes... Read more »

Going off abacavir

Dear Dr. Pierone:Thanks so much for your past contributions. This website is an extraordinary help for those of us who seem to have new questions almost daily. Here's my question: My partner was diagnosed with AIDS in 4/06. We have figured...

Response from Gerald Pierone, M.D.

AIDS Research and Treatment Center of the Treasure Coast

Hello, and thanks for posting. There are emerging data on the use of protease inhibitor "mono"therapy in HIV infection. The studies thus far have shown that a Norvir-boosted PI alone is almost as effective as a boosted PI and 2... Read more »

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