Generic Ziagen Uses and Side Effects

Generic Ziagen(Abacavir Sulphate)

Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate)?

Stop using Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: fever; rash; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; general tiredness, body aches; shortness of breath, cough, sore throat. Once you have had an allergic reaction to Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate), you must never use it again.Read the Warning Card that comes with this medication, and carry it with you at all times so you will know the symptoms of allergic reaction to watch for.If you stop taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) for any reason, talk to your doctor before you start taking the medication again. If you miss several doses in a row, you could have a dangerous or even fatal allergic reaction when you start taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) again. Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate). Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired. Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on the liver . Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms while taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate): nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate)?

Do not take Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or to any medicine that contains Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate), such as Epzicom or Trizivir. Once you have had an allergic reaction to Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate), you must never use it again. Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate). You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you are overweight or have liver disease, if you are a woman, or if you have taken certain HIV or AIDS medications for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk. Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on the liver. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms while taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate): nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Do not use Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) if you have moderate or severe liver disease, or if you are also taking any other medication that contains Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate), such as Epzicom, or Trizivir. If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate):liver disease; or 

if you have used a medicine similar to Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) in the past, such as didanosine (Videx), lamivudine (Combivir, Epzicom, Trizivir), stavudine (Zerit), tenofovir (Viread), zalcitabine (Hivid), or zidovudine (Retrovir).You may need a blood test before you start taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) for the first time, or if you are restarting the medication after stopping for reasons not related to an allergic reaction.

Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) Uses

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) can be taken with or without food.Measure the liquid form of Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and a Warning Card that lists the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Read this information carefully and carry the Warning Card with you at all times so you will know what symptoms to watch for. It is important to take Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescriptions refilled before you run out of medicine completely.HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) at room temperature away from moisture and heat. You may store the oral solution (liquid) in the refrigerator but do not let it freeze. 

Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate). Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Side effects of Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate)

Stop using Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction from two or more of these specific side effect groups: Group 1 - fever;Group 2 - rash;Group 3 - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;Group 4 - general tiredness, body aches;Group 5 - shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.Once you have had an allergic reaction to Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate), you must never use it again. If you stop taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) for any reason, talk to your doctor before you start taking the medication again. Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate) can cause other serious side effects that may not be signs of an allergic reaction. Call your doctor at once if you have:lactic acidosis - muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired;liver damage - nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);severe skin symptoms - fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;wheezing, trouble breathing;vision changes or increased sensitivity to light;urinating less than usual or not at all;fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; orany other signs of new infection.

Less serious side effects may include:

sleep problems or strange dreams;headache, mood changes; orchanges in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).

What other drugs will affect Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate)?

Before taking Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate), tell your doctor if you are using methadone (Methadose, Dolophine). You may need dosage adjustments during treatment.This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Generic Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.