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When using abacavir, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and necessary precautions to ensure safe use. Below are important safety warnings and guidelines for patients and healthcare professionals:

• Serious Allergic Reactions: Abacavir can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening or even fatal. Such reactions typically occur within the first six weeks of treatment. A genetic test (HLA B5701) is mandatory before starting this medication to assess your risk. If the test is positive or there is a history of allergic reactions to abacavir, you must avoid this medication and any combination tablets containing it, like Epzicom or Triumeq. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fever, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle aches, sore throat, or cough. Discontinue use immediately and seek emergency medical assistance if symptoms arise.

• Liver Issues: Though rare, abacavir can cause a serious liver condition known as lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis, predominantly affecting women. Watch for symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, muscle pain, rapid and shallow breathing, extreme fatigue, and sudden weakness. Immediate emergency care is required should these symptoms occur. Women, individuals with obesity, or those with a history of liver problems are at an increased risk.

• Immune Reconstitution Syndrome: As your immune system recovers with HIV treatment, it may start to aggressively combat existing infections, leading to significant inflammation. Healthcare providers should screen for underlying infections before commencing treatment with abacavir, particularly for first-time users of HIV medications. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or any sudden health changes post-treatment. Those with a weakened immune system or current untreated infections are at higher risk.

• Increased Risk of Heart Attack: Patients on abacavir may have a heightened risk of heart attack, especially if they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It is vital to discuss your full medical history and current medications with your HIV provider to assess this risk properly.

In cases of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Always inform your healthcare team if you have discontinued abacavir due to an allergic reaction, and dispose of any remaining medication appropriately. For further details, consult the warning card provided with your prescription.

Common side effects:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain

Less common but important to monitor:

• Cough
• Vomiting

Serious side effects:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe fatigue
• Persistent muscle aches or weakness
• Severe or unrelenting headaches
• Joint pain
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Changes in vision
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, persistent cough)
• Symptoms of liver problems (persistent nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine)
• Signs of lactic acidosis (deep or rapid breathing, drowsiness)
• Severe liver issues
• Lactic acidosis

Interactions with high risk of serious adverse effects and should be avoided:

• Cabotegravir
• Orlistat
• Ribavirin
• Medications containing abacavir

Interactions with moderate risk that may require dose adjustment, closer monitoring, or timing changes:

• Methadone
• Tipranavir

Interactions with low risk that usually do not require a change in therapy:

• Alcohol