Ziagen - Talk Medical

Generic Name: abacavir

Brands: Ziagen

What is the most important information I should know about Ziagen?

· Do not take Ziagen if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

· Fatal hypersensitivity reactions, lactic acidosis, and liver damage have been associated with treatment with Ziagen. Stop taking Ziagen and seek emergency medical attention if you develop a fever; a skin rash; nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; sore throat; shortness of breath; cough; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. Your pharmacist will provide you with a card listing the symptoms; of a hypersensitivity reaction. Carry this card with you and notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the symptoms listed. If you need to stop taking Ziagen for any reason, do not start taking it again without first talking to your doctor. Dangerous, even fatal, allergic reactions have occurred when Ziagen has been restarted, even when no symptoms were present before stopping.

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Ziagen is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

What is Ziagen?

· Ziagen is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Ziagen inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.

· Ziagen is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ziagen is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

· Ziagen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ziagen?

· Do not take Ziagen if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take Ziagen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver or kidney problems.

· Ziagen is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Ziagen will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Do not take Ziagen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Ziagen passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast feed their babies.

How should I take Ziagen?

· Take Ziagen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Ziagen can be taken with or without food.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Ziagen with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

· Treatment of HIV/AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.

· Your pharmacist will provide you with a card listing the symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction. Carry this card with you and notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the symptoms listed. If you need to stop taking Ziagen for any reason, do not start taking it again without first talking to your doctor. Dangerous, even fatal, allergic reactions have occurred when Ziagen has been restarted, even when no symptoms were present before stopping.

· Store Ziagen tablets and solution at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

· The solution may be stored in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· The symptoms of an Ziagen overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Ziagen?

What are the possible side effects of Ziagen?

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Notify your doctor if you experience ·decreased appetite; ·headache; ·insomnia; or ·redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ziagen?

· There are no known interactions between Ziagen and other medications.

· Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, to reduce the possibility of an interaction.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Ziagen written for health professionals that you may read.

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