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ABACAVIR; LAMIVUDINE; ZIDOVUDINE (a ba KA vir; la MI vyoo deen; zye DOE vyoo deen) helps manage the symptoms of HIV infection. It works by limiting the spread of HIV in the body. It is a combination of three antiretroviral medications. This medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and it may still be possible to spread HIV to others while taking it. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medication and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Alcohol or alcohol-containing products
-Doxorubicin
-Emtricitabine
-Fluconazole
-Ganciclovir
-Interferon
-Methadone
-Other medications that contain abacavir, lamivudine, or zidovudine
-Phenytoin
-Ribavirin
-Stavudine
-Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
-Trimethoprim
-Valproic acid
-Zalcitabine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may cause serious allergic reactions in a small amount of people. Stop taking this medication and call your care team right away if you have fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card given to you by your pharmacist. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.
If you stop this taking this medication because of an allergic reaction, never take it again. If you stop taking it for other reasons, talk to your care team before restarting it. Make sure you are around someone who can call for medical help if you need it.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
-Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
-High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
-Lipodystrophy—increased fat in the upper back or midsection, decreased fat in the face, arms, or legs
-Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
-Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Fatigue
-Headache
-Nausea
-Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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