What is abacavir?

Generic name

Abacavir

Brand names

Ziagen

Abacavir is an antiretroviral medication that fights against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to:

- Treat HIV-1 infection in adults

- Prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV

How abacavir works

Abacavir is a type of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by preventing HIV from multiplying inside the body.

Abacavir safety information

- Pregnancy: Abacavir is pregnancy category C in the first trimester, and pregnancy category B in the second and third trimesters. This means that there is no evidence of harm to the fetus when abacavir is taken in the second or third trimester, but there is some risk of harm in the first trimester. Animal studies have shown that abacavir can cause birth defects when taken in high doses. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

- Breastfeeding: Abacavir is excreted in breast milk. It is not known if abacavir can harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

- Children: Abacavir is approved to treat HIV-1 infection in children 3 months and older. It is not approved to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

- Adults: Abacavir is approved to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. It is not approved to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Possible side effects of abacavir

- Hypersensitivity reactions

- Lactic acidosis

- Hepatic steatosis

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Headache

- Fatigue

Serious side effects of abacavir

- Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

- Lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood)

- Hepatic steatosis (a buildup of fat in the liver)

Abacavir drug interactions

Abacavir can interact with many other medications, including:

- Atazanavir

- Lopinavir/ritonavir

- Rifampin

- Didanosine

- Emtricitabine

- Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

- Lamivudine

- Zidovudine

Talk to your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, before starting abacavir.

Abacavir overdose

An overdose of abacavir can be fatal. If you take more abacavir than prescribed, seek emergency medical attention.