Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris (Abacavir And Lamivudine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris Used For?
Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris is a combination antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It contains two active ingredients that work together to slow down the progression of HIV.
Primary Uses
This medication is used together with other antiretroviral medicines to slow down the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other related illnesses such as AIDS-related Complex (ARC).
How It Works
Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It does not cure AIDS or kill the HIV virus, but it delays further damage to the immune system by stopping production of new viruses. You can still pass on HIV when taking this medicine, although the risk is lowered by effective antiretroviral therapy.
Good to know: While this medication helps control HIV infection, you should continue using proper precautions to prevent transmitting the virus to others
How to Take Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s important to take it regularly to maintain its effectiveness in controlling HIV infection.
Dosage Instructions
The normal dose for adults and adolescents is one tablet once a day. Swallow the tablets whole with water. You can take them with or without food. Continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue as before. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Take your medication at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhea
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Stomach pain (abdominal pain)
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature
- Joint and muscle pain
- Hair loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Hypersensitivity reaction (serious allergic reaction) – can be life-threatening
- Lactic acidosis with enlarged liver – rare but can be life-threatening
- Deep, rapid, difficult breathing
- Drowsiness
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Allergic reaction with wheezing, swelling of lips/mouth, difficulty breathing, fainting
- Serious skin reactions
- Severe anemia
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking this medication, including a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Who Should Not Take Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris
Do not take this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to abacavir or lamivudine, if you have serious liver disease, or if you have severe kidney disease. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any medicines for other conditions, or have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes. If you have moderate kidney disease, you should be monitored as you are at higher risk of some side effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
You must not take Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Hypersensitivity Reaction: This medication can cause a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you get a skin rash OR one or more symptoms from at least two groups: fever; shortness of breath, sore throat or cough; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain; severe tiredness, achiness or generally ill feeling. If you’ve had this reaction before, NEVER take this medication again as it can be fatal.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- Sorbitol-containing medicines (usually liquids) used regularly
- Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) – antibiotic for PCP or toxoplasmosis
- Emtricitabine – should not be taken together
- Methadone – your doctor may need to adjust your methadone dose
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful about activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the source material. However, discuss alcohol use with your doctor as it may affect your overall health while managing HIV.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris affects you. Consider your health state and possible side effects before driving or using machines.
Storage
Keep your tablets in their original pack until you take them. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Abacavir/Lamivudine Viatris, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
This medication works by stopping production of new HIV viruses, but it does not cure HIV infection. You need to take it every day to prevent your illness from getting worse. Your doctor will arrange regular blood tests to monitor its effectiveness.
Yes, you can take this medication with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first. If you have hepatitis B infection, stopping suddenly may cause a recurrence of your hepatitis. If you need to restart after stopping for any reason, contact your doctor first, especially if you had side effects, as this is important for safety.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue as before. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, you can still pass on HIV when taking this medicine, although the risk is lowered by effective antiretroviral therapy. You should continue to use proper precautions to prevent infecting other people through sexual activity or blood contamination.
This is a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Contact your doctor immediately if you get a skin rash OR symptoms from at least two groups: fever; breathing problems, sore throat or cough; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain; severe tiredness or generally feeling ill. If you’ve had this reaction before, never take this medication again.
Yes, your doctor will arrange regular blood tests for as long as you’re taking this medication to check for side effects and monitor your progress. Keep all your doctor’s appointments so your condition can be properly monitored.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.