Indications
Trizivir is a medication used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults. It contains a combination of three antiviral medications: abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. Trizivir is a fixed-dose combination medication, meaning that the three drugs are combined in a single tablet.
Trizivir works by inhibiting the action of the reverse transcriptase enzyme in HIV, which prevents the virus from replicating and lowers the amount of virus in the blood. Trizivir is indicated for use in adults with HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents or alone if other treatment options are not available or are contraindicated. Note that Trizivir is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir and in HLA-B*5701-positive patients.
Use and Dosage
Trizivir comes in the form of a film-coated tablet, which should be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken twice daily with a full glass of water unless your doctor instructs otherwise. As this product contains fixed doses of abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine, it should only be used if your doctor determines that the doses are appropriate for you.
If you stop taking any medication containing abacavir, even for a brief time, and then resume the drug, you may have a higher risk of developing a serious and fatal allergic reaction. Therefore, refill your medication before your supply runs out and to not stop treatment without consulting your doctor. Before restarting any abacavir-containing medication, make sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist and ensure that you have access to medical care.
Take Trizivir and any other HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses, increase your dose, take the drug more than recommended, or stop taking it (or other HIV medications) without your doctor's approval. Skipping or altering your dosages without the approval of your doctor may increase the amount of virus in your body, make the infection harder to treat, and worsen side effects.
To get the best results, take the Trizivir tablet at evenly spaced times. You can set reminders to help you remember to take the medication at the same time each day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Trizivir (Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Fevers and/or chills
- Depressed mood
Serious Side Effects of Trizivir (Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine):
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Black, tarry stools
- Blood in the urine or stools
- Cold/flu symptoms
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling of the face, feet, or hands
- Pain in the joints
- Pain in the muscles
- Pale skin
- Pinpoint red spots on the skin
- Rash
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Swelling of the feet or lower legs
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual feeling of discomfort or illness
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin
Forms and Strength
Trizivir (Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Trizivir: Film Coated Tablet
- 300/150/300mg
Cautions
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Trizivir can cause serious, life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including but not limited to, fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms.
- Hematologic toxicity: Trizivir can cause significant reductions in blood cell counts, including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Myopathy: Trizivir can cause muscle damage and weakness.
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis: Trizivir can cause a buildup of lactic acid in the blood and enlargement of the liver.
- Exacerbations of hepatitis B: Trizivir can cause worsening of hepatitis B infection in patients who have this condition.
- Immune Reconstitution Syndrome: Trizivir can cause a condition where the immune system becomes stronger and may cause new or worsening symptoms.
- Use in Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Trizivir should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
- Use with Other Medications: Trizivir may interact with other medications and caution should be used when it is used in combination with other drugs.
- Use during Pregnancy: Trizivir may be harmful to the developing fetus and should be used with caution during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Trizivir be used during pregnancy?
Trizivir can be used during pregnancy but discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor. The medication can be passed to the baby through breast milk, so women who are taking Trizivir should not breastfeed.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Trizivir?
If you miss a dose of Trizivir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
Can Trizivir cure HIV infection?
No, Trizivir cannot cure HIV infection. However, it can help to slow down the progression of the infection and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.
REVIEWS