Fixed-dose combination of two antiretroviral medications (abacavir and lamivudine) used to treat HIV-1 infection.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Steve Malen, PharmD
Dr. Steven Blikstein, PharmD
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Abacavir/lamivudine (Epzicom) is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used as part of a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children. Both abacavir and lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that block the reverse transcriptase enzyme HIV needs to replicate, lowering viral load and helping preserve immune function. It is taken once daily, with or without food. Before starting, patients should be tested for the HLA-B*5701 allele, since carriers are at high risk for a serious, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and headache. Report any fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms to a healthcare provider immediately, as these may signal a hypersensitivity reaction requiring the medication be stopped and never restarted.
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Abacavir/lamivudine combines two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) into a single once-daily tablet for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is always used as part of a broader antiretroviral regimen, never alone, to suppress viral replication and help maintain a healthy immune system.
Before starting therapy, patients are tested for the HLA-B*5701 gene variant. Those who carry it face a much higher risk of a severe hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir and should not take this medication. Anyone who develops fever, rash, fatigue, nausea, or respiratory symptoms after starting treatment should contact their provider right away, since the drug must be permanently discontinued if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected.