Generic Ziagen

Abamune (Abacavir)

What is Generic Ziagen

Abamune (Generic Ziagen or Abacavir) is used for reating HIV infection with other medications. Abacavir is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by slowing down the growth of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT use Generic Ziagen if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Generic Ziagen
• you have had a recent abnormal liver function test or have moderate to severe liver problems

Before using Generic Ziagen

Some medical conditions may interact with Generic Ziagen . Tell your physician or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or thinking about breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are unusually tired or have a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, a cough, or a skin rash
• if you have shortness of breath, an allergic reaction, or a sore throat

Some medicines may interact with Generic Ziagen . Tell your physician if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Methadone because the effectiveness may be decreased by Generic Ziagen
• Alcohol because the side effects and toxic effects of Generic Ziagen may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your physician if Generic Ziagen may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your physician before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Generic Ziagen

Use Generic Ziagen as directed by your physician. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Generic Ziagen comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Generic Ziagen refilled.
• Generic Ziagen comes with a Warning Card that provides information about recognition of allergic reactions. Carry the Warning Card of allergy symptoms with you. Tell your physician immediately about any side effects you experience while taking Generic Ziagen .
• Generic Ziagen may be taken with or without food.
• Using Generic Ziagen at the same times each day will help you to remember.
• Continue to use Generic Ziagen even if you feel well.
• If you miss a dose of Generic Ziagen , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your physician any questions you may have about how to use Generic Ziagen.

Important safety information:

If you drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day, do not take Generic Ziagen without first discussing it with your physician.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Generic Ziagen .

The virus may develop resistance to Generic Ziagen if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, and may become harder to treat.

If you must stop taking Generic Ziagen for any reason other than a serious allergic reaction, do not take Generic Ziagen again without talking with your physician. If your physician decides that you may take Generic Ziagen again, you should do so only in a setting with other people in case you need immediate access to a physician.

When your medicine supply begins to run low, get more from your physician or pharmacist as soon as possible. The HIV may develop resistance to this medicine if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, or it may become harder to treat.

Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking Generic Ziagen (eg, increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your physician, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.

Generic Ziagen offers no protection from the transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV.

Generic Ziagen is not a cure for HIV infection and patients may continue to acquire illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS). Remain under the care of your physician.

Lab tests, including liver function and monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all physician and lab appointments.

Use Generic Ziagen with caution in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially liver, kidney, or heart problems.

Generic Ziagen is not recommended for use in children younger than 3 months of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Generic Ziagen during pregnancy. It is unknown if Generic Ziagen is excreted in breast milk. HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Generic Ziagen.

Possible side effects of Generic Ziagen

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your physician if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Exhaustion;
• flushing;
• general body discomfort;
• headache;
• joint pain;
• lack of energy;
• loss of appetite;
• mouth sores;
• muscle aches;
• redness of the eyes or swelling of the conjunctiva;
• severe muscle pain or cramping;
• sleeplessness;
• swelling;
• unusual weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• abnormal skin sensations;
• achiness;
• chest pain;
• cough;
• diarrhea;
• extreme tiredness;
• fainting;
• fever;
• flu-like illness;
• generally ill feeling;
• nausea;
• severe dizziness;
• shortness of breath;
• sore throat;
• stomach pain;
• vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your physician or physician.

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