Abacavir belongs to a group of
HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These medicines work by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes
AIDS. Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different than other viruses because it must first convert its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is the DNA genes that allow HIV to multiply.
HIV converts its genetic material by using a special protein called the reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA, this enzyme uses several different protein building blocks.
Abacavir works by tricking reverse transcriptase into thinking it is one of these protein building blocks. However, it is just different enough that when used to create DNA, abacavir actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply.
Abacavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Although it can help stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.
Abacavir is approved for use in children as young as three months old. For most children, the oral solution (liquid) form of abacavir works best, as the tablets may be difficult to swallow and contain too much abacavir for many children. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using abacavir in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend abacavir for treating something other than HIV and AIDS. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, abacavir is used off-label to prevent HIV infection in people exposed to the HIV virus (such as a healthcare worker who comes in contact with a contaminated needle). This is called postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
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