Abacavir

💊 What is Abacavir?
1. Abacavir is a medicine used with other drugs to treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
2. It helps lower the amount of HIV in your body and protects your immune system.
3. It does not cure HIV or AIDS and won’t stop you from spreading HIV to others.

🛠️ How It Works
1. Abacavir slows down the virus, so it can’t multiply easily.
2. This helps your body fight infections and stay healthy longer.

🍼 Who Can Take It?
1. Doctors will give the right dose based on your age and weight.

⚠️ Do Not Take If:
1. You’ve had a bad allergic reaction to Abacavir in the past.
2. You have a gene called HLA-B*5701 (your doctor will test this).
3. You have serious liver problems.

❗ Talk to Your Doctor If You Have:
1. Heart problems, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
2. Liver disease or are overweight
3. Diabetes or kidney issues

💥 Side Effects

Common:
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Tiredness
Trouble breathing or cough
Skin rash

Serious (Call a doctor right away):
Fever, rash, vomiting, stomach pain
Yellow skin or eyes (liver problems)
Pain in chest or arms (heart attack warning)
Feeling very weak or sick

📋 Important Warnings
1. Allergic Reaction Warning: Some people can get a serious allergic reaction. If this happens, you must never take Abacavir again.
2. You will get a warning card—keep it with you at all times.
3. Stopping the medicine suddenly can make the virus stronger and harder to treat.
4. This medicine may cause fat changes in your body (gain in belly or neck, loss in arms or legs).

References:
1. Mayo Clinic – Abacavir