Epzicom
Generic name:abacavir and lamivudine [ a-BAK-a-veer-and-la-MIV-yoo-deen ]
Drug class:Antiviral combinations
What is Epzicom?
Epzicom contains a combination of abacavir and lamivudine. Abacavir and lamivudine are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.
Epzicom is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Epzicom is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Warnings
Epzicom can cause severe or fatal side effects. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
You should not take Epzicom if you have liver disease, or if you have ever tested positive for a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Do not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine that contains abacavir or lamivudine.
Stop taking Epzicom and call your doctor at once if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Epzicom: fever; rash; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches; shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using Epzicom. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Epzicom if you are allergic to abacavir or lamivudine, or:
if you have liver disease;
if you have ever tested positive for a gene variation called HLA-B*5701; or
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine that contains abacavir or lamivudine (Combivir, Epivir, Triumeq, Trizivir, Ziagen).
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you are overweight, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.
To make sure Epzicom is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
kidney disease;
heart problems or risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, hig...
