Safely Buy Epzicom ( Abacavir/Lamivudine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Epzicom is a combination medication containing two antiviral drugs, abacavir and lamivudine. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, both in adults and children.

Abacavir and lamivudine work by preventing a virus from multiplying, thereby preventing the virus from spreading.

The medication should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider and patients should be monitored for potential side effects.

Use and Dosage

Read the Medication Guide and Warning Card provided by your pharmacist before you start taking abacavir/lamivudine each time you get a refill. Carry the Warning Card with you at all times. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

Because this combination product has fixed doses of abacavir and lamivudine, it should only be used if your doctor has determined that the doses of both medications in this product are right for you.

If you stop taking any medication containing abacavir even for a short time and then restart the drug, you have an increased chance of developing a very serious (possibly fatal) allergic reaction. Refill your medication before you run out. Do not stop treatment unless directed by your doctor. Before restarting any medication containing abacavir, consult your doctor or pharmacist, and be sure you have easy access to medical care.

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Side Effects

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction from two or more of these specific side effect groups:

• Group 1 – fever
• Group 2 – rash
• Group 3 – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• Group 4 – general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches
• Group 5 – shortness of breath, cough, sore throat

Once you have an allergic reaction to abacavir, you must never use it again. If you stop taking this medicine for any reason, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.

Also, call your doctor at once if you have:

• Other signs of an allergic reaction–hives, swelling in your face or throat, or trouble breathing
• Lactic acidosis–unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, fast/slow or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired
• Liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Abacavir and lamivudine affect your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you have taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

• Signs of a new infection–fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, or weight loss
• Trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, or weakness or prickly feeling
• Swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, or impotence

Common side effects include:

• Allergic reaction
• Depression or trouble sleeping
• Feeling weak or tired
• Headache, dizziness, or migraine
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking abacavir/lamivudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either of these drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and alcohol use.

Abacavir may increase your risk of a heart attack. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and ways to lower your risk of heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, if you smoke, or if you have other conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may also increase the risk of liver problems and pancreatitis. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially pancreatitis.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breastfeed.

Form and Strengths

Epzicom is available in the following form and strengths:

• Abacavir/Lamivudine Tablet:
  • 600/300 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. If you miss several doses, you may have a dangerous or even fatal allergic reaction once you start taking this medication again.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What should I avoid while taking abacavir and lamivudine?

Taking abacavir and lamivudine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drugs or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/abacavir-and-lamivudine.html#side-effects
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021652s022lbl.pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230469/
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-91514/epzicom-oral/details