Indications
Epzicom is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is a combination medicine containing two HIV antiretroviral drugs, abacavir (Ziagen) and lamivudine (Epivir). Epzicom helps to control HIV infection by decreasing the amount of the virus in the blood.
Uses and Dosage
To ensure safe and effective use, take this medication as directed by your doctor. Usually, this medication should be taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. Note that this is a fixed-dose combination product containing specific doses of abacavir and lamivudine, so it should only be taken if your doctor determines that the doses are appropriate for you. Refill your medication before running out, and do not stop treatment unless directed by your doctor.
If necessary, before restarting any medication containing this active ingredient, consult your doctor or pharmacist, and make sure you have access to immediate medical care. Compliance is key, and it is essential to take this medication (and other HIV medications) precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses, change the dosage, or take this drug more frequently than recommended. Do not stop taking it (or any other HIV medicines) without your doctor's approval, as doing so can increase the amount of virus in your body, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or exacerbate side effects. Optimal outcomes can be achieved by taking this medication at uniformly spaced intervals, such as the same time daily.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Epzicom (Abacavir/Lamivudine):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
Serious Side Effects of Epzicom (Abacavir/Lamivudine):
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Bulging eyes
- Chills
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Deep or rapid breathing
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty moving your eyes
- Difficulty speaking
- Drooping face
- Drowsiness
- Easy bruising
- Fast breathing
- Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Heat intolerance
- Hives
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Mental or mood changes
- Muscle aches
- Nervousness
- Non-healing skin sores
- Numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, arms, legs
- Pale skin
- Paralysis
- Severe headaches
- Severe tiredness
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Trouble swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual bleeding
- Unusual growth in the neck or thyroid (goiter)
- Unusual tiredness
- Vision changes
- Weakness
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Epzicom (Abacavir/Lamivudine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Abacavir/Lamivudine: Tablet
- 600/300mg
Caution
- Hypersensitivity reactions, which can be severe, may occur at any time during treatment with Epzicom.
- Exacerbations of hepatitis B, in patients with HBV infection.
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, which has been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including Epzicom.
- Immune reconstitution syndrome, which has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy.
- Use of Epzicom during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
- Exacerbations of hepatitis B, in patients with HBV infection
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, which has been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including Epzicom.
- Immune reconstitution syndrome, which has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy.
- Epzicom should not be given to patients with moderate or severe liver impairment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Epzicom interact with other medications?
Yes, Epzicom can interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking so they can check for potential interactions.
How should Epzicom be stored?
Epzicom should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Can Epzicom be taken during pregnancy?
Epzicom should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
What do I do if I miss a dose of Epzicom?
If you miss a dose of Epzicom, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-91514/epzicom-oral/details
- https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Epzicom/pdf/EPZICOM-PI-MG.PDF
- https://www.poz.com/drug/epzicom
- https://www.rxlist.com/epzicom-drug.htm
- https://www.goodrx.com/epzicom/what-is
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f1139e7f-2db9-4961-9da3-9b7f2088736f
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