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Epzicom (Abacavir/3TC, Kivexa)

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Brand Name:	Epzicom
Generic Name:	Abacavir/Lamivudine, ABC/3TC
Adult Single Dose:	One tablet containing 600 mg ABC and 300 mg 3TC (once a day)
Food & Liquid Restrictions:	None
Drug Class:	NRTI

From The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums

I am 37 years old and have been HIV positive for about two years. My doctor wants me to start treatment. He gave me two choices: Epzicom + Sustiva (efavirenz, Stocrin) or Combivir (AZT/3TC) + Sustiva. I have no liver or kidney issues. Which of these regimens is better for me to start with?
I have been undetectable and doing well on Reyataz (atazanavir), Truvada (tenofovir/FTC) and Norvir (ritonavir) for four years now. Because my latest urinalysis showed some type of elevated protein in my kidneys, which apparently can be caused by Truvada in a small amount of cases, my doctor told me to switch from Truvada to Epzicom. What is your advice on this?
Since switching to Epzicom and Isentress (raltegravir), I've had tingling and stinging sensations in my hands and feet. Are these side effects from the meds?

» More questions

An Overview of Epzicom (Abacavir/3TC, Kivexa) (Regularly Updated)
To read PDF, click here.
From U.S. National Institutes of Health
FAQs About Epzicom (Abacavir/3TC, Kivexa) From The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums (Regularly Updated)
From The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums
What's New in the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents (December 1, 2009)
From AIDSinfo
Epzicom/Kivexa (Abacavir + Lamivudine) (November 24, 2009)
To read PDF, click here.
From AIDS InfoNet
Serious Non-AIDS Health Problems (Especially Heart Problems) Appear Less Likely With Truvada Than Epzicom, But Low Bone Mineral Density Is More Likely, Switch Study Finds (October 20, 2009)
In Clinical Infectious Diseases
Epzicom (March/April 2009)
To read PDF, click here.
In Positively Aware, from Test Positive Aware Network
Patient Information About Epzicom (Abacavir/3TC, Kivexa) (PDF) (March 2009)
From GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline Announces New Program to Provide Financial Assistance for Eligible HIV Patients in the U.S. (November 11, 2008)
If you live in the United States, use private health insurance and take Combivir (AZT/3TC), Epzicom (abacavir/3TC, Kivexa), Lexiva (fosamprenavir, Telzir) or another HIV drug made by GlaxoSmithKline, you may have a chance to save a nice chunk of change.
From GlaxoSmithKline
Epzicom (Epivir + Ziagen) (September 28, 2007)
Basic information on dosing schedules and side effects.
From U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Once-Daily Abacavir/Lamivudine Co-Formulation Proves Its Mettle by Being Both Safe and Effective (September 30, 2006)
In 46th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Two New Fixed-Dose Combinations Approved (August 2, 2004)
From U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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