What is Epzicom: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Epzicom

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of this medicine is low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of this medicine is low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Epzicom

Epzicom contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to abacavir or lamivudine.

Epzicom warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis), diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you smoke.

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious allergic reactions (including allergic reactions affecting different body organs)Lactic acidosisLiver problemsIncreased risk of heart attack

• Ask your pharmacist for a warning card that lists the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Carry the card with you at all times.

• Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat or you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction.

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start using HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

Epzicom interactions

• Ask your pharmacist for a warning card that lists the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Carry the card with you at all times.

• Some medicines can affect how abacavir/lamivudine works. Tell your doctor if you are using methadone or sorbitol.

• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious allergic reactionLactic acidosisLiver problemsIncreased risk of heart attack

• Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat or you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction.

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.