Ziagen (Abacavir Sulphate)

Do’s:

• Take Ziagen exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, typically 1 or 2 times daily, with or without food.
• If using the liquid form, carefully measure the dose with the provided measuring device, not a household spoon.
• The dosage is based on your individual needs and may be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
• It's very important to take Ziagen consistently, even if you feel well. Don't skip doses, increase your dose, or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Refill your prescription before running out to avoid interruptions in treatment.
• Discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider.
• Seek medical attention before restarting: If you stop taking Ziagen, even briefly, consult your healthcare provider before restarting it to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Don'ts:

• Don't adjust your dosage without your healthcare provider's approval.
• Don't take other medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take to avoid potential interactions.
• Don't  stop abruptly. Stopping Ziagen suddenly can lead to complications. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for stopping treatment if necessary.
• Don't skip doses can make the HIV virus resistant to treatment. Take Ziagen consistently as prescribed.
• Don't take Ziagen past its expiration date.

Common Side Effects:

• Feeling tired
• Sleep problems, strange dreams
• Headache, tiredness, fever, chills, general ill feeling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash
• In children: stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, ear pain
• Mental/mood changes (depression, anxiety)
• Arthralgia, cough, fatigue, lethargy, myalgia, pruritus, vomiting, chills, and malaise

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of a new infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss
• Trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling
• Swelling in the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence
• Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions, including multi-organ failure, anaphylaxis, and acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia
• Symptoms of liver problems such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine
• Symptoms of lactic acidosis such as deep/rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea/vomiting
• Increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-colored urine
• Light-colored bowel movements
• Loss of appetite for several days or longer

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Ziagen,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to abacavir or any ingredients in Ziagen.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Ziagen, especially:

• Liver problems (hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis)
• Kidney problems
• Alcohol use

Abacavir may increase your risk of a heart attack. Discuss this risk with your healthcare provider, along with ways to lower your heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of heart disease. Tell your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications you take, including Ziagen, before having surgery. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Ziagen with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. Ziagen can help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby. Ziagen passes into breast milk. Due to the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, consult your healthcare provider about the safest way to feed your baby.