Abacavir

A healthcare provider may prescribe abacavir in combination with other medications to treat HIV and AIDS. It comes in the form of a tablet or an oral solution, and is generally taken once or twice a day. Your dosage will depend on several factors, such as your age, weight, and other medications you may be taking. Possible side effects include fatigue, headaches, and nausea.

What Is Abacavir?

Abacavir sulfate (Ziagen®) is a prescription medication that is used as a treatment for HIV and AIDS. It is only approved for use in combination with other HIV medications.
 
(Click What Is Abacavir Used For? for more information on what abacavir is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with abacavir. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of abacavir include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue and a general ill feeling (malaise)
  • Vomiting
  • Sleep disorders.
     
(Click Side Effects of Abacavir to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

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