Ziagen Solution (Abacavir Sulphate)

Indications

Ziagen is an oral medication used together with other antiviral medicines to treat patients who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It contains the active ingredient abacavir sulfate and can be taken orally in a liquid form. It is available in a concentration of 20 mg/ml and contains sorbitol as an inactive ingredient.

Abacavir belongs to a group of HIV medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs to make more copies of itself in the body. By blocking reverse transcriptase, abacavir helps to reduce the amount of HIV in the body and slows down the progression of HIV disease.

Use and Dosage

Ziagen Solution is taken orally by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 or 2 times daily. If you are using the liquid form, you must use a specialized measuring device or spoon to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon, as it may result in an incorrect dosage.

To measure your dose of Ziagen oral solution accurately use the dosing syringe supplied as follows:

1. Remove the plastic wrap from the syringe/adapter.
2. Remove the bottle cap.
3. Push the plastic adapter into the neck of the bottle, while holding the bottle firmly.
4. Remove the plastic adapter from the syringe.
5. Insert the syringe firmly into the adapter.
6. Turn the bottle upside down.
7. Pull out syringe plunger until the correct amount is withdrawn.
8. Turn the bottle the correct way up and remove the syringe from the adapter.
9. Replace and tighten the bottle cap.
10. Administer the dose into the mouth by placing the tip of the syringe against the inside of the cheek. Slowly depress the plunger, allowing time to swallow. Forceful squirting to the back of the throat may cause choking.

After use, the syringe and adapter must not be left in the bottle. They should be washed thoroughly in clean water. The quantity of medication you take is dependent on your medical condition and treatment response. However, in children, the dosage is calculated by weight.

If you have forgotten to take a dose of your medicine and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Ziagen Solution (Abacavir Sulfate):

• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk)
• Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain)
• Ear pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Strange dreams
• Trouble sleeping

Serious Side Effects of Ziagen Solution (Abacavir Sulfate):

• Anxiety
• Bulging eyes
• Depression
• Difficulty breathing/swallowing/moving your eyes
• Drooping face
• Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• Heat intolerance
• Irritability
• Joint pain
• Nervousness
• Numbness or tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs
• paralysis
• Persistent muscle aches or weakness
• Severe or persistent headaches
• Severe tiredness
• Signs of infection (such as fever, chills, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores)
• Slurred speech)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter
• Vision changes

Forms and Strength

Ziagen Solution (Abacavir Sulfate) is available in the following forms and strength:

Ziagen Solution: Oral Solution

• 20mg/mL

Cautions

• Ziagen can cause hypersensitivity reactions, which can be fatal. Patients with known hypersensitivity to abacavir or any ingredient in the solution should not take Ziagen. Before starting treatment with Ziagen, patients should be screened for the HLA-B*5701 allele. If the allele is present, patients should not take Ziagen unless they have no other treatment options and are under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Patients taking Ziagen should be closely monitored for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including fever, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, and signs of liver or kidney dysfunction. Treatment should be discontinued immediately if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected.
• Ziagen may cause lactic acidosis, a serious metabolic complication that can be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly. Patients taking Ziagen should be monitored for signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
• Ziagen can interact with other medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and medications that affect the immune system. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting treatment with Ziagen.
• Ziagen should not be used in pediatric patients under the age of 3 months, as the safety and efficacy of the medication have not been established in this population.
• Patients with hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment may require dosage adjustments when taking Ziagen.
• Ziagen may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience any side effects while taking Ziagen.
• Ziagen can cause immune reconstitution syndrome, which is a condition that can occur when a patient's immune system begins to recover and reacts to previously hidden infections or tumors. Patients taking Ziagen should be monitored for signs and symptoms of immune reconstitution syndrome, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and worsening of infection or tumor.
• Ziagen can cause liver toxicity, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Patients taking Ziagen should be monitored for signs of liver dysfunction, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and pale stools.
• Patients taking Ziagen may experience changes in body fat distribution, such as increased fat in the neck, back, and trunk and decreased fat in the arms, legs, and face. This condition is known as lipodystrophy and may be associated with metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance.
• Ziagen should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, as it may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Patients taking Ziagen should avoid drinking alcohol, as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity and other side effects.
• Ziagen may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, and implants. Patients using hormonal contraceptives should use an additional method of contraception while taking Ziagen.
• Patients taking Ziagen should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of kidney disease or if they are taking medications that affect kidney function, as Ziagen can cause kidney toxicity.
• Ziagen may cause abnormal laboratory test results, such as decreased hemoglobin, neutrophils, and platelets, and increased liver enzymes. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they undergo laboratory testing while taking Ziagen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to refrigerate Ziagen Solution?

No, Ziagen Solution does not require refrigeration. However, it should be stored at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F) and should be kept in the original container.

Can I crush or chew Ziagen Solution?

No, you should not crush or chew Ziagen Solution. Swallow the medication whole.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Ziagen Solution?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Ziagen Solution, as it can increase your risk of liver damage.

Is Ziagen Solution a cure for HIV infection?

No, Ziagen Solution is not a cure for HIV infection. It is a medication used to treat the virus and help manage its symptoms.

Resources

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16830/abacavir-oral/details
• https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/z/Ziagensol.pdf
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020977s017,020978s020lbl.pdf
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e5cbf204-c10d-444b-aba0-180a30645d55
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020977s024,020978s028lbl.pdf