What is Ziagen? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Ziagen

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

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

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

• 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.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it.

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

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

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• 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.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ziagen

Ziagen contraindications - Who shouldn't take Ziagen?

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

Ziagen warnings

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

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

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

• 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 that may involve multiple organs, such as your liver or kidneysLactic acidosisSevere liver problemsIncreased risk of heart attack

• 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.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor first. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat.

• 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.

Ziagen interactions & what to avoid when taking Ziagen

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

• 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 reactionLactic acidosisLiver problemsIncreased risk of heart attack

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor first. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat.

• 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.