Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) is used for:
Treating HIV infection. Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) is used in combination with other medicines.Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) combination. It works by blocking HIV from reproducing.
Do NOT use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) if:you are allergic to any ingredient in Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) you have liver problems, an enlarged liver, abnormal liver function tests, severe kidney problems, or the blood disorder lactic acidosis you are taking another medicine that contains abacavir or lamivudine you are taking zalcitabine Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine):
Some medical conditions may interact with Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances if you have a history of kidney problems, heart problems (eg, heart attack), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, pancreatitis, smoking, alcohol dependence, hepatitis B infection, nerve disorders, or obesity problems if you have a history of high levels of lactic acid in the blood or are at risk for liver problems if you are taking any other medicine for HIV infection
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine).
Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:Interferon alpha or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) because they may increase the risk of Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine)'s side effects Ribavirin or zalcitabine because the effectiveness of both medicines may be decreased Methadone because its effectiveness may be decreased by Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) Other medicines that contain abacavir or lamivudine because the risk of side effects may be increased
How to use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine):
Use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) refilled. Take Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) by mouth with or without food. Taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Continue to use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) and increase the risk that your HIV will no longer be sensitive to Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) or to other similar medicines. If you miss a dose of Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine), take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine).
Important safety information:
Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Drinking alcohol while taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) may cause an increased risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor. When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine), even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat. If you stop taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) even for a few days (eg, if you run out of your medicine and do not get it refilled right away), contact your doctor before you start taking it again. You may experience a serious allergic reaction if you stop taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) and then start again. Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors. Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) contains abacavir and lamivudine. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has abacavir or lamivudine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) may improve immune system function. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of infection (eg, fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor. Diabetes patients - Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine. Patients who have a certain gene type called HLA-B*5701 have an increased risk of a severe or even fatal allergic reaction to Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). A lab test may be performed before you start Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) to see if you have this gene type. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) while you are pregnant. Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) is found in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine). Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine) to the baby.
Possible side effects of Generic Kivexa (Abacavir+Lamivudine):
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:Abnormal dreams; anxiety; dizziness; headache; sleeplessness.Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (fever; rash; tiredness; achiness; nausea; diarrhea; vomiting; stomach pain; sore throat; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; cough; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or discomfort, numbness of an arm or leg, shortness of breath, or sudden vision changes; dark urine; decreased urination; depression; exhaustion; fainting; flu-like illness; mouth ulcers; muscle pain or weakness; numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe dizziness; severe muscle, stomach, or chest pain or cramping; swelling; unusual or persistent tiredness; unusual weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
