Epzicom
(abacavir / lamivudine)
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
Our bottom line
Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) contains two medicines in one tablet, used with other medicines, to treat HIV infection. Your doctor does need to test you before you start it to make sure you don't get an allergic reaction.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (abacavir / lamivudine)
Upsides
- Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) contains two first choice medicines used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV infections.
- Compared to other HIV medicines, Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) does not have as many drug interactions with other medicines.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) can be taken by children weighng at least 55lbs (25kg) or more.
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What to expect from Epzicom, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) isn't recommended if you'll need to adjust the dose of medications due to problems like kidney and/or liver damage.
- Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) can increase your risk of heart attack, especially if you have other heart-related issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke.
- Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine). Your doctor will test you for any possible risk of reaction before starting Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine).
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What to expect from Epzicom, on one page
Download Fact SheetEpzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) contains two different nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It treats HIV infections by preventing the virus from multiplying in your immune cells.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (abacavir / lamivudine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$115.49
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What to expect when you take Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) for HIV treatment
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Severe allergic reaction
- Insomnia
- Depression/Depressed mood
- Headache/Migraine
- Fatigue/Malaise
- Dizziness/Vertigo
Side effect rates for Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine)
- Severe allergic reaction9%9%
- Insomnia7%7%
- Depression/Depressed mood7%7%
- Headache/Migraine7%7%
- Fatigue/Malaise6%6%
- Dizziness/Vertigo6%6%
- Nausea5%5%
- Diarrhea5%5%
- Rash5%5%
- Fever5%5%
- Abdominal pain & inflammation4%4%
- Abnormal dreams4%4%
- Anxiety3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Epzicom.
People taking Epzicom felt side effect more
People taking Epzicom felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Previous allergic reaction to Triumeq or abacavir
- › Presence of HLA-B*5701 gene
The abacavir in Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, allergic reactions. Before considering Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine), your doctor will do a genetic blood test to see if you're likely to have this reaction. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you experience any rash, fever, nausea, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, shortness of breath, and/or difficulty breathing.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine).
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Severe worsening of Hepatitis B has been seen in patients who have stopped taking Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine). Your doctor will do regular blood tests to check your liver. Immediately report any signs of liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, yellowing of eyes, etc.) to your doctor.
- Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) isn't recommended if you'll need to adjust the dose of medications due to problems like kidney and/or liver damage.
- Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) can be taken by children weighng at least 55lbs (25kg) or more.