Details

Abacavir is an antiviral drug which is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) 1 virus. It works on the enzyme of the virus called reverse transcriptase, which has an important role in its multiplication. Abacavir may slow the progression of the disease it does not cure the HIV infection. Abacavir belongs to pregnancy category C. Studies have shown an adverse effect on the foetus.

Typical Uses

Abacavir is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Abacavir belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTI. Dose in adults is 600 mg daily, as a single dose or divided into two doses.

Side Effects

Changes in the distribution of fat on your body, such as an increasing amount of fat on your neck and back, headache, fatigue, unusual dreams or sleep problems, fever, chills, nausea, ear, nose or throat infections, skin rashes, lactic acidosis and liver enlargement, immune reconstitution syndrome and increased risk of heart attack.

Drug Interactions

•Leflunomide+Abacavir- Leflunomide may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as abacavir may increase that risk.

•Lomitapide+Abacavir- Lomitapide may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as abacavir may increase that risk.

•Mipomersen+Abacavir- Mipomersen may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as abacavir may increase that risk.

•Teriflunomide+Abacavir- Teriflunomide may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as abacavir may increase that risk.

Mechanism of action

HIV invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, over time the body becomes less able to fight the virus or subsequent infections.

Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it multiplies. Part of the process of viral multiplication involves the conversion of the virus genetic material, RNA, into DNA. This is achieved by a compound essential to the virus, called reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase is a compound known as an enzyme. Abacavir works by blocking the action of this enzyme, thereby interfering with the conversion of viral RNA into DNA. This stops the virus from multiplying.

Abacavir is used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs that attack the HIV virus in different ways. This minimises the virus's ability to replicate and multiply, and helps prevent it becoming resistant to treatment.

Pregnancy Category : C