Abacavir - Benefits, dosage and side effects

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Abacavir - Benefits, dosage and side effects
Abacavir - Benefits, dosage and side effects
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Abacavir is an antiviral drug to treat HIV infection. The use of this drug must be accompanied by other anti-HIV drugs to maximize its effectiveness. Abacavir cannot cure HIV, it only slows the progression of HIV infection

Abacavir works by inhibiting the process of replication or reproduction of the HIV virus, so that the amount of HIV virus in the blood decreases. This way of working can improve the immune system of people with HIV and reduce the risk of complications and diseases associated with HIV/AIDS infection, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or cancer.

Abacavir - Alodokter
Abacavir - Alodokter

Abacavir Trademarks: Abacavex, Abacavir Sulfate

What is Abacavir

Class Prescription drugs
Categories Antivirus nucleoside reverse transciptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Benefits Slowing the progression of HIV infection
Consumed by Adults and children aged 3 months
Abacavir for pregnant and lactating women Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk. to the fetus. Abacavir can be absorbed into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should not take this drug.
Medicine form Caplet

Warning Before Taking Abacavir

Abacavir should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. Some things to consider before taking this drug are:

  • Do not take abacavir if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
  • Tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis and liver failure, or have been diagnosed with a genetic variation called HLA-B570. Abacavir should not be used by patients with this condition.
  • Tell your doctor if you have heart and blood vessel disease, such as hypertension or have any conditions that increase your risk of developing heart disease, such as having high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements, herbal remedies, or medications, including if you have previously taken other HIV medications.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor that you are taking abacavir if you plan to undergo dental treatment or surgery.
  • See your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking abacavir.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Abacavir

The dose of abacavir will be determined based on the patient's age, condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose of abacavir is determined based on body weight (BB). The dose may change if the child's weight increases or decreases.

The following are the doses of abacavir to treat HIV in adults and children:

  • Adults and children aged 3 months with body weight 25 kg: The dose is 300 mg, 2 times a day, or 600 mg, 1 time a day. Treatment can be combined with other HIV drugs.
  • Children aged 3 months weighing 14–19 kg: The dose is 150 mg, 2 times a day, or 300 mg, 1 time a day
  • Children aged 3 months with a weight of 20–24 kg: The dose is 150 mg, taken in the morning, and 300 mg, taken at night, or 450 mg, taken 1 time a day.

How to Take Abacavir Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the drug packaging label before taking abacavir.

Abacavir caplets can be taken with or without food. Swallow the caplet whole with a glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing abacavir caplets, crush the medicine, then mix it with water, and drink immediately.

It is recommended to take abacavir regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. If you forget to take abacavir, take it immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Do not change the dose or stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor because it can increase the amount of virus in the body and make the disease more difficult to treat.

Conduct regular he alth checks to the doctor while undergoing treatment with abacavir, so that the progress of your condition can be monitored. Follow the treatment schedule set by the doctor.

Store abacavir caplets in a closed container in a cool room. Protect this medicine from direct sunlight, and keep the medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Abacavir with Other Drugs

The use of abacavir with other drugs can cause drug interactions, namely:

  • Increased risk of liver damage when used with ribavirin
  • Reduced blood levels of abacavir when used with methadone, phenytoin, rifampicin, or phenobarbital

In addition, if abacavir is consumed with alcoholic beverages, there may be an interaction effect in the form of an increase in abacavir levels in the blood which can cause serious side effects.

Side Effects and Dangers of Abacavir

Some of the possible side effects after taking abacavir are:

  • Headache
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • No appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing

Do an examination to the doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or any of the following serious side effects:

  • Fever
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache
  • Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat
  • Jaundice or dark urine
  • Not feeling well or unusually tired
  • Red rash
  • Lactic acidosis, which can be characterized by symptoms of rapid breathing, drowsiness, vomiting

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