Overview
Abamune 300mg is a tablet that contains abacavir 300mg (as abacavir sulfate). It is made by Cipla and is a generic version of Ziagen. Abacavir is an HIV medicine called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It is always used together with other HIV medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children.
- Contains abacavir 300mg
- Generic version of Ziagen
- For HIV-1 infection, with other HIV medicines
- HLA-B*5701 test needed before starting
Uses
Abacavir is used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It does not cure HIV, so it must be taken every day as part of a full HIV treatment plan made by your doctor. See more HIV / AIDS medicines.
How it works
Inside the body, abacavir is changed into an active form (carbovir triphosphate). This blocks an enzyme the HIV virus needs to copy itself, called reverse transcriptase. Blocking it helps lower the amount of virus in the blood.
Dosage
Take Abamune 300mg exactly as your doctor prescribes. The usual dose on the official Ziagen label is:
- Adults: 600mg a day, taken either as one 300mg tablet twice a day or two 300mg tablets once a day, always with other HIV medicines.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- Children (14 kg and above) who can swallow tablets: the dose is based on body weight and should not be more than 600mg a day. Your doctor will work out the dose.
- Before you start, your doctor should test you for a gene called HLA-B*5701. People who carry it have a higher risk of a serious allergic reaction to abacavir.
- People with mild liver problems need a lower dose (200mg twice a day) using the oral solution, not the tablet.
Safety warning
Abacavir can cause a serious and sometimes fatal allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction. It usually happens in the first 6 weeks of treatment, but it can happen at any time. Stop taking abacavir and get medical help right away if you have symptoms from 2 or more of these groups:
- Fever
- Rash
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain
- Feeling generally ill, very tired or achy
- Shortness of breath, cough or sore throat
Never take abacavir, or any medicine that contains abacavir, again after a hypersensitivity reaction. Taking it again can cause a more serious reaction, including death, within hours.
Do not take Abamune 300mg if you
- carry the HLA-B*5701 gene
- have had an allergic reaction to abacavir before
- have moderate or severe liver problems
Side effects
The most common side effects in adults (10% or more in clinical trials) were:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tiredness and feeling unwell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual dreams or sleep problems
Other serious problems listed on the label are lactic acidosis (a build-up of acid in the blood) and a severely enlarged, fatty liver; changes in the immune system as it gets stronger (immune reconstitution syndrome); and a possible link with heart attack that studies have not confirmed. Tell your doctor about any heart risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking.
Interactions
- Methadone: a few people may need a higher methadone dose.
- Riociguat: the riociguat dose may need to be lowered.
- Alcohol: alcohol raises the amount of abacavir in the blood.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Data from the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry show no higher overall risk of birth defects with abacavir than in the general population. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Mothers with HIV are advised not to breastfeed, because HIV can pass to the baby and abacavir passes into breast milk.
Storage
Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep out of the reach of children.
Pack sizes & prices
| Pack | Price per tablet | Pack price |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Tablets | $5.73 | $343.80 |
| 90 Tablets | $5.21 | $468.90 |
| 120 Tablets | $5.08 | $609.60 |
| 150 Tablets | $4.69 | $703.50 |
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FAQs
Is Abamune 300mg the same as Ziagen?
Both contain abacavir 300mg as the active ingredient. Abamune is made by Cipla; Ziagen is the original brand by ViiV Healthcare.
Can Abamune 300mg be taken once a day?
For adults, the label allows 600mg once a day (two tablets) or 300mg twice a day. Your doctor decides which is right for you.
Do I need a test before taking abacavir?
Yes. Your doctor should test you for the HLA-B*5701 gene before you start, unless you have been tested before.
Can I take Abamune 300mg on its own?
No. Abacavir is always used together with other HIV medicines.
Can I take Abamune 300mg with food?
Yes. It can be taken with or without food.
Source: FDA-approved prescribing information for Ziagen (abacavir) tablets, ViiV Healthcare, on DailyMed. This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
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