What is Epzicom?
Epzicom is a combination of lamivudine and abacavir. Abacavir, lamivudine, and other antiviral medications prevent HIV (human immunodeficiency viruses) from multiplying in your body.Epzicom, a combination of medicines used to treat HIV (the virus that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome), is a medicine.Epzicom does not cure HIV or AIDS.
Side effects of Epzicom
If you experience symptoms of an allergy reaction to two or more specific side effects, call your doctor immediately.
- Group 1: Fever
- Group 2: rash
- Group 3: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- Group 4: general malaise, extreme fatigue, and body aches
- Group 5: shortness of breath (shortness of breath), cough, sore throat
Do not use abacavir again if you have had an allergic reaction.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Other signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling in the face or throat, and trouble breathing.
- Lactic acidosis: muscle pains, difficulty breathing, nausea, heartbeats that are fast, slow, or irregular, dizziness, feeling cold, or being very tired.
- Liver disorders: loss of appetite (upper right), stomach pain, fatigue, itching, and dark urine. Clay-colored stools are also possible. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, eyes, or skin.
Abacavir, lamivudine, and other antiviral drugs can affect your immune system. This may lead to certain side effects for weeks or even months after taking the medicine. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs that a new infection is present: fever, sweating at night, swollen lymph nodes, colds, sores, cough, wheezing, and diarrhea; weight gain.
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, have problems with balance, eye movements, or weakness, or feel prickly, then it could be a sign of a problem.
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Epzicom is commonly associated with the following side effects:
- Allergic reaction
- Depression, trouble sleeping
Feeling tired or weak - Headache, dizziness, migraine;
- Nausea, diarrhea,
- Changes in the shape or location (especially of your arms, legs, and breasts), as well as changes in the amount or distribution of body fat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Epzicom may cause serious or even fatal side effects. Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.Epzicom should not be taken if your liver is ill or you've ever tested positive for the gene variant HLA-B*5701. Avoid taking this medication if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to abacavir, lamivudine, or any other medicine that contains these ingredients.If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Epzicom immediately and contact your doctor: fever, rash, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, stomach pain, general feeling of ill health, extreme fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, cough, sore mouth.You may need to have frequent liver function tests for several months if you have ever had hepatitis B. For several months, you may require frequent liver function testing.
Before you take this drug
Epzicom should not be used if you have an allergy to lamivudine or abacavir.
- If you have liver disease, it is important to consult your doctor.
- If you've ever tested positive for the gene variant HLA-B*5701,
- If you've ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine containing abacavir (Combivir Epivir Triumeq Trizivir, Ziagen) or lamivudine,
Lactic acidosis is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in your blood. It may be more common if there are other medical conditions or if the person is obese. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Epzicom will be safe for you:
- Liver disease (especially hepatitis B and C);
- Kidney disease
- Heart problems or risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
If you are a heavy drinker of alcohol,
Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medicines on the baby.Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk.Epzicom is not recommended for children who weigh less than 55 pounds.
Similar/related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Zidovudine, Ritonavir, and Emtricitabine
How to take Epzicom?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Epzicom can be taken either with or without food. If a child is having difficulty swallowing this tablet, tell the doctor.Epzicom includes a medication card and a warning card that list the symptoms of an allergic response. Learn what symptoms you should be aware of by reading this information. Always keep the wallet card with you.Read all the instructions and follow them exactly. You should not stop taking medication or change the dose without consulting your doctor. All HIV-positive people should be under the care and supervision of a physician.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.You may need to have frequent liver function tests while using Epzicom and for several months after your last dose. This medicine may require frequent liver function testing while you are taking it and for several weeks afterward.
Details on dosage
Adult dose of Epzicom as per usual for HIV infection:
Take 1 tablet once daily, orally.
Use: As a combination with other antiretroviral drugs for HIV-1 infection.
Adult dose of Epzicom for non-occupational exposure:
US CDC recommendation: Take 1 tablet once a day orally.
Duration of treatment: 28 days
Comments:
recommended in alternative regimens for non-occupational prophylaxis after HIV infection
Prophylaxis must be initiated as soon as possible and within 72 hours after exposure.
For additional information, you should consult the current guidelines.
Adult dose of Epzicom for occupational exposure:
US Public Health Service Working Group Recommendations: Take 1 tablet once daily, orally.
Duration of treatment: 28 days if tolerated
Comments:
Only with expert consultation as part of a different regimen to be used as HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
Prophylaxis must be initiated as soon as possible, preferably within a few hours of exposure.
The optimal duration of prophylaxis may vary depending on the institution's protocol.
For additional information, you should consult the current guidelines.
The usual pediatric dose of Epzicom to treat HIV infection is:
If you weigh at least 25 kg, take 1 tablet once daily.
Comments:
Epzicom product information should be reviewed for patients weighing less than 25kg.
Before prescribing the drug, it is important to assess your ability to swallow the tablets.
Use: As a combination with other antiretroviral drugs for HIV-1 infection.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Refill your prescription before you run out. You may experience an allergic reaction if you have missed several doses.
What happens if you overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
This medicine does not protect you from HIV transmission. Share razors and toothbrushes. Do not engage in unprotected sexual activity. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy people should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with abacavir or lamivudine. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
