Where is Abacavir Sulfate used?

Abacavir Sulfate is used alone or along with other medication for the treatment of HIV. This is an antiviral treatment that avoids HIV from increasing in your body. This virus can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Abacavir Sulfate helps lessen the amount of HIV in your body and lowers your chance of getting HIV complications. It reduces the risk of HIV transmission and also improves your quality of life. This prescription belongs to the group of HIV medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

How does Abacavir Sulfate work?

Abacavir Sulfate works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme. This enzyme is involved in integrating the viral DNA. By blocking this process, this medicine also stops the virus from growing.

How is Abacavir Sulfate taken?

Follow all the given instructions from your doctor for better results. Use this drug exactly as directed. The dosage, how often you take it, and the amount you will be taking is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.

• For adults, the usual dosage is 300 mg to 600 mg taken twice a day.
• For children and adolescents who weigh more than 30kg, the prescribed dosage is 300mg taken twice a day.

If your doctor gave you a dosage that is different from here, follow it promptly. The medicine can be taken in combination with other HIV medications. Each dose can be taken with or without food.

If you stop taking Abacavir Sulfate even for a short time and restart the drug, you can have an increased chance of developing a very serious allergic reaction. For this reason, you should not stop this treatment unless your doctor instructed you to do so. Before restarting or stopping this treatment, consult your doctor first.

What are the precautions in taking Abacavir Sulfate?

• People taking antiretroviral medicines may gain weight and may also experience an increased level of sugar and fats in their blood. These changes are linked to the improvement in control over your HIV and your lifestyle. Your doctor will monitor the levels of lipids and sugar in your blood during treatment with this medicine.
• While you are taking this medicine, you need to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function. This is particularly important if you already have any problems with your liver.
• This prescription should be used with caution in people over 65 years of age and people with risk factors for heart disease.
• People with decreased kidney function and children under 12 years of age must not take this medication.
• Inform your doctor if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to this drug.
• If ever you have any allergies, let your doctor know right away before taking this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Abacavir, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking this drug.
• Talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking this medicine.