Abacavir; Lamivudine, 3TC; Zidovudine, ZDV tablets

What is this medicine?

ABACAVIR; LAMIVUDINE, 3TC; ZIDOVUDINE, ZDV (a ba KA vir; la MI vyoo deen; zye DOE vyoo deen) is 3 antiretroviral medicines in 1 tablet. It is used to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. This medicine can lower, but not fully prevent, the risk of spreading HIV to others.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• muscle pain or weakness

• nausea, vomiting, unusual upset stomach or stomach pain

• pain or difficulty swallowing

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine

• unexplained weight loss

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• cough

• dizziness

• hair loss

• headache

• trouble sleeping

• weight gain around waist, back or thinning of face, arms, legs

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol or alcohol containing products

• any other medicine that contains abacavir, lamivudine, or zidovudine

• doxorubicin

• emtricitabine

• fluconazole

• ganciclovir

• interferon

• methadone

• phenytoin

• ribavirin

• stavudine, d4T

• sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP

• trimethoprim

• valproic acid

• zalcitabine, ddC

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at the usual scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• drink alcohol-containing drinks

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet or red cell counts

• smoke tobacco

• weigh less than 40 kg or 88 pounds

• an unusual or allergic reaction to abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or healthcare provider for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

A small number of people may have a severe allergy to this medicine. Some symptoms are a skin rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, severe tiredness, aches, or generally feeling sick. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card given to you by your pharmacist. You should carry this Warning Card with you. If you have these symptoms while taking this medicine, stop the medicine and call your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

If you stop this medicine because you ran out of medicine or because you may have had an allergic reaction, talk to your doctor. Do not restart this medicine without your doctor's advice. Severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur within hours and may include life-threatening hypotension and death.

If you have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor if you plan to stop or change your therapy. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse after you stop this medicine.

This medicine can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medicine. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your healthcare provider.