Epzicom ratings & reviews

Epzicom contains the active ingredients abacavir as abacavir sulfate and lamivudine, both of which are synthetic nucleoside analogues with inhibitory activity against HIV-1. It belongs to the drug class of antiretroviral medications. This medication is available in orange-colored, capsule-shaped tablets for oral administration, each containing 600 mg of abacavir and 300 mg of lamivudine. Key inactive ingredients include magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the virus resistant to this medication and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• HLA-B*5701 gene variant
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Tobacco use
• An unusual or allergic reaction to abacavir, lamivudine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Alcohol or alcohol-containing products
• Any other medication that contains abacavir or lamivudine
• Emtricitabine
• Interferon
• Methadone
• Ribavirin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may cause serious allergic reactions in a small amount of people. Stop taking this medication and call your care team right away if you have fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card given to you by your pharmacist. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.

If you stop this taking this medication because of an allergic reaction, never take it again. If you stop taking it for other reasons, talk to your care team before restarting it. Make sure you are around someone who can call for medical help if you need it.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.