Kivexa (Abacavir/Lamivudine)

Brand name: Kivexa
Generic name: Abacavir/Lamivudine
Used for: Treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
Availability: Brand Kivexa (ViiV Healthcare), generic Kivexa 600mg/300mg

How Abacavir/Lamivudine Works

Abacavir/Lamivudine are the active ingredients in Kivexa; Kivexa is a prescription medicine used in combination with other antiretrovirals to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. The active ingredients in Kivexa belong to a group of anti-retroviral medicines called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which are used to treat HIV infection. Kivexa does not cure HIV; it reduces the amount of virus in your body and keeps it at a low level. It also increases the CD4 cell count in your blood which is a type of white blood cells that are important in helping your body fight infection. You must be sure to be seen regularly by your health care provider. Take Kivexa exactly as your doctor has advised you and try not to miss any doses. Kivexa can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Kivexa is not recommended for the treatment of children and adolescents weighing less than 25 kg as the necessary dose adjustment cannot be made.

Generic Kivexa vs Brand Kivexa

Brand and generic Kivexa are available with a doctor’s prescription. It is entirely your choice whether you want a brand or generic. Brand Kivexa and generic Kivexa are identical in dose, strength, safety, efficacy and its intended use. The biggest difference is that the generic is not manufactured inside a ViiV Healthcare (brand) facility. Rest assured that Blueskydrugs.com only provides you with highest quality generic drugs from reputable generic manufacturers. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us.

Abacavir/Lamivudine Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own:
• Abacavir hypersensitivity and skin rash (without any other illness);
• Depression/depressed mood;
• Diarrhea, upper abdominal pain;
• Easy bruising/bleeding;
• Hair loss;
• Headache, fever, lethargy (unusual lack of energy), fatigue;
• Joint and muscle pain;
• Loss of appetite;
• Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems with symptoms such as feeling of weakness, sudden unexplained weight loss, upset stomach and difficulty breathing or rapid breathing;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck);
• Serious skin reactions and severe anemia;
• Trouble sleeping;
• Vision changes, signs of infection (such as fever, chills)

Abacavir/Lamivudine Guidelines

Do not use Kivexa if you previously had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient abacavir; you previously had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient lamivudine; have the HLA-B* 5701 gene variation; have liver disease. Before you start using Kivexa, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have been tested and know whether or not you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701; been using alcohol; disease of the pancreas; kidney or liver disease (including hepatitis B or C); previously taken any other NRTI class medicine. Some HIV medicines including Kivexa may increase your risk of heart attack. If you have heart problems, smoke or suffer from diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes, tell your healthcare professional. Your blood sugar levels (glucose) or level of fats in your blood may increase with HIV treatment. Your healthcare professional will decide when to do blood tests, to check for these and other side effects, and will interpret the results. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare professional before taking Kivexa. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. There is a risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby if you breastfeed and could harm your baby. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may also increase the risk of liver problems and pancreatitis. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines. The drugs that may interact with Kivexa include Emtricitabine, to treat HIV; Methadone, to treat pain and drug addiction; Retinoids, to treat skin conditions; Riociguat, to treat high blood pressure; Sorbitol-containing medicines (usually liquids); Trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole), an antibiotic. Kivexa should not be taken with 3TC/ Heptovir; Combivir; Ziagen; Truvada; Complera; Atripla; Emtriva.