Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

abacavir works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is critical for virus replication. lamivudine is also an NRTI that functions similarly to abacavir by inhibiting reverse transcriptase.

Both drugs are often used in combination with other antiretrovirals as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to suppress the replication of the virus and prevent disease progression.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

1-10%:

Anxiety

Abnormal dreams

Depression

Fatigue

Dizziness

Malaise

Insomnia

Vertigo

Migraine

Headache

Skin Rash

Fever

<1%:

Anemia

Alopecia

Hepatitis

Paraesthesia

Myasthenia

Peripheral neuropathy

Stomatitis

Wheezing

Weakness

Hyperglycemia

Erythema multiforme

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:

It is essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions for the medication carefully.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:

abacavir is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity reaction (allergic reaction) to the drug.

Cautions:

• Both abacavir and lamivudine can cause mitochondrial toxicity, leading to liver and pancreas problems.
• abacavir can also cause a hypersensitivity reaction, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
• lamivudine can cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood) and liver problems, especially in individuals with liver disease.
• abacavir and lamivudine should be used with caution in individuals with kidney problems. It may be unable to eliminate the drugs as effectively.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:

The drug is not safe during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding warnings:

The drug is secreted in breast milk. The effect on lactating infants is unknown.

Pregnancy category:

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Pharmacology of abacavir:

abacavir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the virus.

It is converted into its active form, carbovir triphosphate, by cellular kinases. It further competes with the natural substrate, deoxyadenosine triphosphate. It binds to incorporate into the growing viral DNA chain.

This results in the termination of the viral DNA chain and inhibition of viral replication.

Pharmacology of lamivudine:

lamivudine is also a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that functions similarly to abacavir.

It is converted into its active form, lamivudine-triphosphate, by cellular kinases.

lamivudine-triphosphate competes with deoxythymidine triphosphate for incorporation into the growing viral DNA chain. It leads to the termination of the viral DNA chain and inhibition of viral replication.

Pharmacodynamics:

Not available

Pharmacokinetics:

Not available

Adminstartion

Administration:

Administer the medication orally as a tablet.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: abacavir/lamivudine

Pronounced: a-BAK-a-vir/la-MIV-ue-deen

Why do we use abacavir/lamivudine?

abacavir/lamivudine treats HIV infection.