Prescription Required
Description
Epzicom is a combination of two antiviral drugs, abacavir and lamivudine, available in tablet form. We carry this medication in 600mg/300mg.
This medication is used to help prevent AIDs caused by HIV infection by treating the HIV infection before it creates this complication. You can develop AIDs after going a few years with untreated HIV. Complications of HIV include new infections, cancer, and a decrease in quality of life. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for HIV as it is transmitted through sexual activity. It can also be transferred through other skin-to-skin contact like pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This medication works by slowing the growth of HIV, preventing HIV from multiplying, and decreasing the amount of HIV in the body. This does not cure HIV but drastically slows down the progression.
Directions
Take this medication by mouth. You may take this tablet with food or without food, however your doctor directs you to take it.
For the best effect, take this medication at the same time every day to ensure a routine is met and doses are not missed.
Continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed even if you believe you are better. Stopping this medication or changing your dose may cause the virus count to increase, make the infection resistant to treatment, or worsen any possible side effects.
Cautions
Make sure to tell your doctor about all drug allergies you have before starting Epzicom. Also be sure to mention all medical conditions; past and current. This is to ensure that Epzicom is right for you and wont cause any adverse interactions. The important conditions include kidney problems, liver problems, pancreatitis, and alcohol use.
This medication could increase your risk of having a heart attack. Ask your doctor about your risks and benefits when taking Epzicom and ways to lower your chances of medical conditions arising.
Alcohol or cannabis use could cause mild to extreme dizziness. Do not mix these two drugs (or other mind altering recreational drugs) with Epzicom; if you do, ensure you are not driving or doing any activities that require you to be fully alert.
Children may be more likely to experience side effects and having a higher chance of developing pancreatitis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, treatment can lower the risk of the baby developing HIV, however breastfeeding can transmit HIV and it is recommended you do not breast feed an infant while on Epzicom.
Side Effects
Common side effects include insomnia (sleep issues), headache, dizziness, tiredness, depression, fever, rash, nausea, diarrhea, or changes in the shape of location of body fat.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of these more serious side effects: trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, or impotence.
Important signs to watch for; call your doctor or call emergency services:
New infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
Lactic Acidosis: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Liver problems: swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
If you experience at least 2 of the following symptoms, you may be having an allergic reaction
call emergency services right away.
- Fever;
- Rash;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- General ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches;
- Shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.
FAQs
What are the most important medications I should tell my doctor I am taking?
It is important to inform your doctor if you are on methadone, any other HIV medication, or hepatitis medication such as interferon or ribavirin.
What is something important I should know about Epzicom?
Always make sure to get your prescription refilled before you finish your current amount. If you miss more than several doses, you could experience a fatal allergic reaction once you start taking this medication again. If you have an allergic reaction to Epzicom, you can never take it again.
What is the average dose for an adult with HIV?
The average dose for an adult with HIV would be one tablet taken a day orally.
Can this medication be combined with other medications?
Yes. Your doctor may decide to combine it with other another medication to help fight the infection more effectively.
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