0

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

Ziagen Information

Ziagen (Abacavir) is an antiretroviral medication used in the management of HIV infection, and it is usually combined with other drugs as part of a comprehensive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that gradually weakens a person's immune system by attacking and destroying key cells, which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a severe stage of immune system failure. Ziagen’s active ingredient, abacavir sulfate, belongs to the class of medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Abacavir works by targeting the HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the virus uses to copy its RNA into DNA and insert it into human cells. By blocking this process, abacavir helps prevent the virus from multiplying, which in turn lowers the amount of HIV in the blood, thereby protecting the immune system and slowing down the progression of the disease.

Ziagen Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, rash (without any other symptoms), unusual tiredness or weakness, and vomiting. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Fever, redness, rash, fatigue, joint pain, numbness, tingling or weakness, rapid or pounding heartbeat, or other symptoms of immune system changes;
• Heart attack with symptoms like chest pain or pressure, pain extending through the shoulder and arm, nausea, and vomiting;
• Lactic acidosis with symptoms like muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, darkened urine, light-coloured stools, nausea, and vomiting;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms like abdominal pain on the upper left side and back pain

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Ziagen Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to abacavir, the inactive ingredients in Ziagen, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome;
• Diabetes;
• High blood pressure;
• High cholesterol levels in the blood;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease, including viral hepatitis;
• Obesity

Before starting this medication, it is essential to undergo screening for the HLA-B*5701 allele to determine if there is a potential increased risk of developing a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir. Avoid smoking, alcohol, or alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, as these substances can cause side effects. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Ziagen is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and women with HIV should not breastfeed due to the risk of passing HIV to the baby. This medication should not be used in children under 3 months of age. It should be used with caution in elderly individuals, as they are more prone to developing side effects. Abacavir medication may interact with other drugs or substances, such as cladribine, methadone, orlistat, retinoids (medications chemically related to vitamin A, e.g., isotretinoin) and riociguat. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Ziagen to prevent potential drug interactions.

This medication is available in tablet form at varying dosages. Take each tablet orally with or without food as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your age, weight, and other factors. It is essential to take Ziagen at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body. Take this medication regularly as prescribed and avoid skipping a dose or abruptly stopping it. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Store this medication at room temperature, between 20 °C and 25°C, away from moisture and heat. Also, keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Ziagen?

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