Abacavir/Lamivudine Dosing

The recommended abacavir/lamivudine dosage for the treatment of HIV or AIDS is one tablet once daily. It is usually taken in combination with other HIV medications as part of an HIV "cocktail." For the medication to work properly, you must follow abacavir/lamivudine dosing guidelines as prescribed.

 

Abacavir/Lamivudine Dosage: An Introduction

There is only one standard dose of abacavir/lamivudine (Epzicom™), regardless of your age or other factors. However, abacavir/lamivudine is not recommended for certain people, since the dose of the individual components of the medication cannot be adjusted separately.
 
As always, do not adjust your abacavir/lamivudine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Abacavir/Lamivudine Dosing for HIV or AIDS

The recommended abacavir/lamivudine dose for treating adults with HIV or AIDS is one tablet (600 mg of abacavir sulfate and 300 mg of lamivudine) once daily. Abacavir/lamivudine should be used in combination with other HIV medications as part of an HIV "cocktail" (this is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART).
 
Generally, abacavir/lamivudine is not recommended for people with liver or kidney disease, as the dose of the components of abacavir/lamivudine cannot be properly adjusted (since the drug comes in only one strength). Instead, the two components of abacavir/lamivudine should be taken separately.
 

General Information on Dosing With Abacavir/Lamivudine

Considerations for people taking abacavir/lamivudine include the following:
 
  • Abacavir/lamivudine comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth just once a day.
     
  • It does not matter if you take abacavir/lamivudine with or without food. If the medicine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Try to take abacavir/lamivudine at the same time every day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It is very important that you closely follow your healthcare provider's instructions about taking abacavir/lamivudine. Missing doses can increase the chance of the virus developing resistance to abacavir/lamivudine (making it less effective).
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your abacavir/lamivudine dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
     
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;