Ziagen
(abacavir)
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
Our bottom line
Ziagen (abacavir) is a first-choice medication that is used with others to treat HIV. It's important that your doctor test you for allergic reactions to Ziagen (abacavir) before starting the medication.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (abacavir)
Upsides
- Ziagen (abacavir) is found in many other combination tablets.
- Ziagen (abacavir) has few drug interactions.
- People whose kidneys are not working as well can still take Ziagen (abacavir) without having to change its dose.
- Kids 3 months and older can use Ziagen (abacavir).
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What to expect from Ziagen, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Ziagen (abacavir) can increase your risk of heart attack.
- This is not a great medication to take if you have liver problems.
- Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Ziagen (abacavir). Your doctor will test you for any possible risk of reaction before starting Ziagen (abacavir).
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What to expect from Ziagen, on one page
Download Fact SheetZiagen (abacavir) treats HIV infections by preventing the virus from attacking your immune cells and multiplying.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (abacavir)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$77.31
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$77.56
What to expect when you take Ziagen (abacavir) for HIV treatment
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dream and sleep disorders
- Allergic reaction
- Mood changes
Side effect rates for Ziagen (abacavir)
- Nausea19%19%
- Headache13%13%
- Fatigue and discomfort12%12%
- Dreams/sleep disorders10%10%
- Nausea and vomiting10%10%
- Severe allergic reactions9%9%
- Fever and/or chills9%9%
- Nausea and vomiting9%9%
- Severe allergic reactions8%8%
- Headaches/migraine7%7%
- Nausea7%7%
- Fatigue and discomfort7%7%
- Diarrhea7%7%
- Skin rashes7%7%
- Rashes6%6%
- Stomach pain6%6%
- Depression6%6%
- Dizziness6%6%
- Muscle and joint pain6%6%
- Fever and/or chills6%6%
- Depression6%6%
- Muscle and joint pain5%5%
- Skin rashes5%5%
- Ear/nose/throat infections5%5%
- Viral respiratory infections5%5%
- Anxiety5%5%
- Ear/nose/throat infections5%5%
- Bronchitis4%4%
- Pneumonia4%4%
- Vomiting2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Ziagen.
People taking Ziagen felt side effect more
People taking Ziagen felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Ziagen (abacavir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Positive genetic test (HLA B5701)
Life-threatening allergic reactions to Ziagen (abacavir) have happened to people taking it as part of their HIV treatment. This usually happens in the first 6 weeks. Your doctor will do a genetic test to see if this can happen to you. Go to the emergency room right away if you have a high fever, rash, nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeat, dizziness or trouble 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 Ziagen (abacavir)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Ziagen (abacavir) has few drug interactions.
- Alcohol should be avoided when taking Ziagen (abacavir).
- Can be taken with or without food.
- People whose kidneys are not working as well can still take Ziagen (abacavir) without having to change its dose.
- This is not a great medication to take if you have liver problems.