Side Effects of Abacavir/Lamivudine (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Abacavir/Lamivudine

The exact formulation of abacavir/lamivudine has not been studied in clinical trials. In fact, the available side effect information involves a study that used the two medications in abacavir/lamivudine plus another HIV medication. Therefore, it is impossible to know whether these side effects are due to abacavir/lamivudine or the other HIV medication. Based on this study, the most common side effects of abacavir/lamivudine (plus another HIV medication) included:
 
  • Insomnia -- in up to 7 percent of people
  • Headaches or migraines -- up to 7 percent
  • Fatigue or a general ill feeling (malaise) -- up to 6 percent
  • Dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) -- up to 6 percent.
     
Other common side effects (occurring in 3 to 5 percent of people) included:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Abnormal dreams.
     

Abacavir/Lamivudine and Allergic Reactions

Abacavir (one of the components of abacavir/lamivudine) can cause very serious (sometimes life-threatening) allergic reactions. These dangerous reactions are actually fairly common. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to abacavir are common and may not actually be due to an allergic reaction in all cases. In order to help people know if a serious allergic reaction is occurring, the manufacturer of abacavir/lamivudine has developed a system involving groups of symptoms. It is recommended that you stop taking abacavir/lamivudine and call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms from two or more of the following groups of symptoms:
 
  • Group 1 -- Fever
  • Group 2 -- Rash
  • Group 3 -- Nausea, vomiting diarrhea, or abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Group 4 -- Extreme fatigue, a general ill feeling (malaise), or achiness
  • Group 5 -- Shortness of breath, cough, or a sore throat.
     
(Side Effects of Abacavir/Lamivudine Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;