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Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
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Epzicom |
| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Abacavir/lamivudine
Epzicom
Uses
Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Storage
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment.
- You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
How To Use
- APPEARANCE: Tablet.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often.
- Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide.
- Read and follow these instructions carefully.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
- Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Side Effects
- Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, red, peeling skin rash.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
Fever.
Increased hunger or thirst.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Rapid breathing or trouble breathing.
Seizures.
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Precautions
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to abacavir or lamivudine, or if you have liver disease.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Drug Interactions
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease (especially hepatitis B).
You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have 2 or more of the following groups of symptoms.
- These may be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction to the medicine:
Fever.
Rash.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Severe tiredness, body aches, or general ill feeling.
Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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