Ziagen

What is it?

An anti-HIV preparation and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor available as film-coated, capsule-shaped, yellow tablets containing 300mg of abacavir as sulphate, marked GX 623. Also, ZIAGEN ORAL SOLUTION, a liquid containing 20mg of abacavir as sulphate per ml.

Medical Uses

With antiretrovirals to treat HIV infection.

Dosage

Adults, 1 tablet or 15ml twice each day. Children, aged 3 months to 12 years, 8mg per kg of body weight twice each day to a daily maximum of 600mg. For infants aged under 3 months, consult manufacturer's literature.

Special Care

Patients at risk of liver disease, obese women with enlarged liver. Patients should report any symptoms of hypersensitivity such as flu-like symptoms, including fever, rash, breathlessness, muscle and joint pains, cough, abdominal pains, gastrointestinal upset, pharyngitis, severe tiredness. Patients must be closely monitored for signs of hypersensitivity during first 2 months of treatment and drug withdrawn if these occur, Also, withdraw immediately if rapid rise in liver enzymes, liver enlargement or metabolic lactic acidosis occurs. If drug has been stopped for any reason, extreme care must be exercised if re-started and patient should have access to medical assistance.

Known Side Effects

Anorexia, headache, weariness, fever, gastrointestinal upset, hypersensitivity. Any adverse side effects must be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).