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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Epzicom and Equivalent

Epzicom Information

Epzicom (Abacavir/Lamivudine) is used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that attacks the cells that help the body fight infection. This makes a person more likely to get sick from other infections. Epzicom is used with other antiretroviral medications to reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and to improve the number of immune cells that help the body fight off infections. Epzicom is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) like Abacavir and Lamivudine work by interfering with the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which HIV needs to make copies of itself. By blocking this enzyme, Epzicom helps to slow down the spread of HIV in the body.

Epzicom Side Effects

The most common side effects of Epzicom may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, and depression. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of lactic acidosis, such as unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, feeling cold, dizziness;
• Signs of liver problems, such as appetite loss, light-colored stools, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes

Epzicom Precautions

Do not use Epzicom if you are allergic to Abacavir, Lamivudine or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have liver problems, kidney problems, tested positive for a gene variation called HLA-B*5701, heart problems, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Before starting Epzicom, you must be tested for a specific gene variation called HLA-B*5701. If you have this gene, your risk of a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Epzicom and other medications, such as methadone, sorbitol, riociguat, interferon, ribavirin, etc.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Epzicom. Using antiretroviral medications (ARVs) like Epzicom as prescribed during pregnancy can control your infection and prevent the virus from infecting a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Epzicom. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk. Do not use this medicine in children weighing less than 55 pounds without talking to your doctor. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Epzicom comes as a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. You can take Epzicom with or without food. Take this drug at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in your body. Epzicom does not prevent the transmission of HIV to others. Continue to practice safe sex and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus. Store Epzicom at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Epzicom?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Epzicom.