Overview
A Bec L 600mg/300mg is a tablet that contains two HIV medicines: abacavir 600mg (as abacavir sulfate) and lamivudine 300mg. It is made by Emcure Pharmaceuticals and is a generic version of Epzicom. Both medicines belong to a group called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is always used together with other HIV medicines to treat HIV-1 infection.
- Abacavir 600mg + lamivudine 300mg in one tablet
- Generic version of Epzicom
- One tablet once a day for adults
- HLA-B*5701 test needed before starting
Uses
Abacavir and lamivudine tablets are used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. They do not cure HIV, so they must be taken every day as part of a full HIV treatment plan made by your doctor. See also Abamune 300mg (abacavir) and more HIV / AIDS medicines.
How it works
Inside the body’s cells, abacavir and lamivudine are each changed into an active form (carbovir triphosphate and lamivudine triphosphate). Both block 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 A Bec L 600mg/300mg exactly as your doctor prescribes. The usual dose on the official label is:
- Adults: one tablet once a day, always with other HIV medicines.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- Children weighing at least 25 kg who can swallow tablets: one tablet a day. Children under 25 kg should take abacavir and lamivudine as separate products.
- 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.
- Because the tablet has a fixed dose that cannot be changed, it is not recommended for people with serious kidney problems (creatinine clearance below 30 mL per minute) or with mild liver problems. Your doctor may use the two medicines separately instead.
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 this medicine 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 this medicine, or any other medicine that contains abacavir, again after a hypersensitivity reaction. Taking it again can cause a more serious reaction, including death, within hours.
Hepatitis B: in people who have both HIV-1 and hepatitis B, hepatitis B has become suddenly and severely worse after stopping lamivudine. Do not stop this medicine without talking to your doctor, who will check your liver closely for several months after stopping.
Do not take A Bec L 600mg/300mg if you
- carry the HLA-B*5701 gene
- have had an allergic reaction to abacavir or lamivudine before
- have moderate or severe liver problems
Side effects
The most common side effects in an adult clinical trial (more than 5%, at least moderate) were:
- Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression or low mood
- Headache or migraine
- Tiredness and feeling unwell
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
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 between abacavir and 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.
- Sorbitol: medicines that contain sorbitol can lower the amount of lamivudine in the blood; avoid taking them together regularly when possible.
- 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 or lamivudine 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 both abacavir and lamivudine pass 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 | $9.17 | $550.20 |
| 90 Tablets | $8.33 | $749.70 |
| 120 Tablets | $8.13 | $975.60 |
| 150 Tablets | $7.50 | $1125.00 |
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FAQs
Is A Bec L 600mg/300mg the same as Epzicom?
Both contain abacavir 600mg and lamivudine 300mg as the active ingredients. A Bec L is made by Emcure; Epzicom is the original brand by ViiV Healthcare.
How often do I take A Bec L 600mg/300mg?
For adults the label dose is one tablet once a day, with or without food, together with other HIV medicines.
Do I need a test before taking it?
Yes. Because it contains abacavir, your doctor should test you for the HLA-B*5701 gene before you start, unless you have been tested before.
Can I take A Bec L on its own?
No. It is always used together with other HIV medicines.
I also have hepatitis B. Is there anything I should know?
Yes. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Stopping lamivudine can make hepatitis B suddenly worse, so your doctor will check your liver for several months after stopping.
Can children take A Bec L 600mg/300mg?
Children who weigh at least 25 kg and can swallow tablets may take one tablet a day. Children under 25 kg need the medicines as separate products.
Source: FDA-approved prescribing information for abacavir and lamivudine tablets USP 600mg/300mg (generic of Epzicom), on DailyMed. This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
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