Ziagen (Abacavir)

Ziagen (Abacavir) Medication Information:

What is Ziagen (Abacavir) ?

Ziagen is an HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1) prescription pharmaceutical that is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV-1 infection.

What is Ziagen (Abacavir) used for?

Ziagen (Abacavir) is used with other prescribed HIV drugs to help control HIV infection. It helps in the reduction of HIV in your body, allowing your immune system to function more effectively. This reduces your risk of HIV consequences (such as new infections and cancer) while also improving your quality of life.

How does Ziagen work?

Abacavir prevents HIV-infected cells from producing new viruses by interfering with an enzyme called reverse transcriptase (RT). Abacavir induces HIV-infected cells to create fewer viruses because it inhibits or reduces the activity of this enzyme.

Direction:

How to take Ziagen (Abacavir) ?

It is an oral tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule; instead, swallow it whole. It is available as capsules and tablets and must be given in combination with other antiviral medicines.

What is the different dosage available?

Viramune (Nevirapine) is available as an oral tablet of 150mg,300mg, 600mg, and an oral suspension of 50mg for children.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dosage of ZIAGEN for adults is 600mg daily, administered orally as either 300mg twice daily or 600mg once daily, in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

What is the maximum dosage?

The maximum dosage for the medicine in adults is 600mg which is used along with an antiretroviral agent. Dosage is adjusted based on the weight and health conditions of an individual.

What if you forget to give a dose of Ziagen?

As soon as you recollect, take the missed dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a double dose.

Ziagen Precautions:

What should you know about Ziagen (Abacavir) before you start taking it?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any mental or mood illnesses (such as depression, or suicidal thoughts), liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), seizures, or high cholesterol/triglyceride levels before using this medication. Ziagen (Abacavir) may increase your risk of a heart attack. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and ways to lower your risk of heart disease.

Ziagen Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Ziagen (Abacavir)?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching/swelling severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fever, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle aches, sore throat, or cough. Inform your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Ziagen Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

Before taking Ziagen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it. It contradicts alcohol, methadone, Orlistat. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions you have, especially liver disorders (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), and kidney dialysis before using Ziagen.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?

Ziagen (Abacavir) should be stored at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC)away from light, heat, moisture, and reach of the children.

Other Important Information:

• Make sure no one else uses this medication without any prescription,
• The chances of treatment failure grow when dosages are skipped. Make sure you take all of your medications at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any allergies pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Don't increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV drugs) for even a short time without your doctor's permission.
• This medication may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating. which can be exacerbated by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis).

FAQs:

Can Ziagen ( Abacavir) be taken alone?

Ziagen (Abacavir) shows beneficial results while used alone or in combination with other antiviral medications to treat HIV disease.

When should abacavir not be used?

Do not take this medication if you have had a previous allergic reaction to abacavir or any other medication containing abacavir. If your doctor tells you to stop taking abacavir because you had an allergic reaction, never take abacavir or a medication containing abacavir again

Who all should not Ziagen?

People with a high amount of triglyceride in the blood with increased blood acidity due to high levels of lactic acid, coronary artery disease, and liver problems should be informed about their medical conditions before starting the treatment.

Why is Ziagen (Abacavir) taken on an empty stomach?

Ziagen (Abacavir) is recommended to take with or without food.

Can alcohol be consumed while on Ziagen (Abacavir)?

One should avoid drinking alcohol while using Ziagen(Abacavir) as it may increase your risk of liver damage.