Trizivir (Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine)

Do’s

• Before starting Trizivir, read the Medication Guide and Warning Card provided by your pharmacist. These documents contain important information about the medication, including how to take it and potential side effects. Make sure to carry the Warning Card with you at all times.
• Take Trizivir by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. The usual dosage is twice daily. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific condition.
• Take Trizivir with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Take this medication consistently and at evenly spaced times.
• Trizivir should only be used if your healthcare provider has determined that the doses of all three medications in Trizivir are right for you.
• Take Trizivir (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Make sure to refill your Trizivir prescription before you run out. Stopping treatment without medical guidance and then restarting the drug increases the chance of developing a serious allergic reaction. Before restarting any medication containing abacavir, consult your healthcare provider and ensure you have easy access to medical care.
• To help you remember, take Trizivir at the same times every day. This consistency maximizes the effectiveness of the medication.

Don’ts

• Do not skip any doses, increase your dose, take Trizivir (and other HIV medications) more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Unexpected tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions: Stop taking Trizivir and seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches, shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat.
• Lactic acidosis: Trizivir can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, which can cause symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, enlarged liver, and symptoms of liver problems.
• Liver problems: Trizivir may cause liver problems, and individuals with pre-existing liver disease should not use this medication.
• Blood disorders: Trizivir can affect blood cell counts, leading to reduced numbers of red blood cells (severe anemia) or white blood cells (neutropenia).

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Promptly report any side effects or concerns to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and determine the best course of action.

Trizivir can cause serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions, with multiple organ involvement. These reactions can occur in patients who carry the HLA-B5701 allele as well as those who do not carry this gene variation. Discontinue Trizivir immediately if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, regardless of HLA-B5701 status.

Trizivir is contraindicated in patients who have had a prior hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir, one of the components of Trizivir. It is also contraindicated in HLA-B5701-positive patients. All patients should be screened for the HLA-B5701 allele before initiating therapy with Trizivir or reinitiating therapy with Trizivir unless they have a previously documented HLA-B*5701 allele assessment.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements. Trizivir may interact with other drugs, and your healthcare provider can help assess potential interactions.

Trizivir should be used with caution during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking Trizivir during pregnancy.

Trizivir may increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, or infections. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury, such as washing your hands frequently.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions for Trizivir. Consult with your healthcare provider or refer to the package insert for comprehensive information and guidance on the use of Trizivir.