Medicines
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Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Epzicom, Kivexa
Abacavir-Lamivudine is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It combines two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), abacavir and lamivudine, which work by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate within human cells. This combination therapy helps to reduce the viral load, improve immune function, and slow the progression of HIV/AIDS.
For the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children weighing at least 25 kg who have not received prior antiretroviral therapy and who do not have HIV-1 strains with known resistance to abacavir or lamivudine.
Fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been associated with abacavir. Symptoms include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, respiratory symptoms (e.g., pharyngitis, dyspnea), and cough. Genetic screening for HLA-B*5701 is recommended before starting abacavir therapy. Patients who develop symptoms consistent with hypersensitivity reaction should discontinue abacavir-lamivudine immediately and not rechallenge.
Outcome:
Increased methotrexate levels and toxicity
Mechanism:
Reduced renal clearance of methotrexate
Outcome:
Increased risk of liver damage
Mechanism:
Additive hepatotoxicity
Outcome:
Decreased absorption of abacavir and lamivudine
Mechanism:
Chelation or binding
Most likely new formulation: Long-acting injectable (2025, 60% confidence)
Based on current usage patterns and emerging resistance data, there is a 75% likelihood of continued use as part of combination antiretroviral therapy over the next 5 years.
Antiretroviral, Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
Nucleoside Analogue