Abacavir + Lamivudine

Information about Abacavir + Lamivudine

Abacavir + lamivudine uses

Abacavir+Lamivudine is used in the treatment of HIV infection.

How abacavir + lamivudine works

This is a combination of two anti-HIV medicines: Abacavir and Lamivudine. They prevent HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.

Common side effects of abacavir + lamivudine

Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Rash, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Hypersensitivity, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Decreased appetite, Increased liver enzymes, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Elevated levels of serum amylase, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Erythema multiforme, Lactic acidosis

Available Medicine for Abacavir + Lamivudine

  • 1 variant(s)
  • ₹2700
    Mcneil & Argus Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹1486
    Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd - A Viatris Company
    3 variant(s)

Expert advice for Abacavir + Lamivudine

  • Abacavir + Lamivudine is a combination of two medicines which slows down or stops the progression of HIV infections.
  • It may also be used for preventing HIV and should be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
  • Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
  • Abacavir + Lamivudine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • Skipping doses increases the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
  • Always practice safe sex while taking Abacavir + Lamivudine. Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
  • It may cause weakening of your bones. Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.

Frequently asked questions for Abacavir + Lamivudine

Abacavir + Lamivudine

Q. What is Abacavir+Lamivudine? What is it used for?
Abacavir+Lamivudine is a combination of two medicines that belong to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better.
Q. Is Abacavir+Lamivudine safe?
Abacavir+Lamivudine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Q. How does Abacavir+Lamivudine work?
Abacavir+Lamivudine works by blocking the function of an enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, which is responsible for the HIV replication process. This helps to reduce the level of HIV in the blood.
Show More
Q. Is Abacavir+Lamivudine effective?
Abacavir+Lamivudine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Abacavir+Lamivudine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. What is Abacavir+Lamivudine hypersensitivity reaction/ what is Abacavir+Lamivudine hypersensitivity?
The use of Abacavir+Lamivudine may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. In this, one may experience fever, skin rash, nausea, vomit, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, severe tiredness and headache. Other symptoms of hypersensitivity may include joint or muscle pain, swelling of the neck, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough and occasionally inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis), mouth ulcers, low blood pressure, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms and stop taking Abacavir+Lamivudine immediately.
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Abacavir+Lamivudine?
If you forget a dose of Abacavir+Lamivudine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Content on this page was last updated on 02 January, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)