Drug Database: Abacavir / Lamivudine

What is Epzicom?

Epzicom is a prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and in children who weigh at least 55 lb (25 kg). Epzicom is always used in combination with other HIV medicines.

Epzicom contains two different medicines: abacavir and lamivudine.

HIV medicines can’t cure HIV/AIDS, but taking HIV medicines every day helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. HIV medicines also reduce the risk of HIV transmission.If you are taking HIV medicines, don’t cut down on, skip, or stop taking them unless your health care provider tells you to.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Epzicom?

Before taking Epzicom, tell your health care provider:

• If you are allergic to either of the HIV medicines in Epzicom (abacavir or lamivudine) or any other medicines.
• If you have been tested and know whether you have a particular gene variation called HLA-B*5701.
• If you have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection (HCV).
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you smoke or have heart problems or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• If you have any other medical conditions.
• If you drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of taking Epzicom during pregnancy.
• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV or are taking Epzicom.
• If you are using hormone-based birth control (such as pills, implants, or vaginal rings). For more information about using birth control and HIV medicines at the same time, view the ClinicalInfo HIV and Birth Control infographic.
• About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.Epzicom may affect the way other medicines or products work, and other medicines or products may affect how Epzicom works. Taking Epzicom together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.

How should I take Epzicom?

Epzicom comes in tablet form. Each tablet contains:

• 600 mg abacavir (brand name: Ziagen)
• 300 mg lamivudine (brand name: Epivir)

Take Epzicom according to your health care provider’s instructions. Do not stop taking Epzicom without talking with your health care provider.

Take Epzicom with or without food. Do not skip doses.

Always take Epzicom in combination with other HIV medicines.

Don’t run out of Epzicom. Refill your prescription when your supply gets low.

If you take too much Epzicom, contact your health care provider or local poison control center (1-800-222-1222) right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

For more information on how to take Epzicom, see the FDA drug label.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Epzicom, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can Epzicom cause?

Epzicom may cause side effects. Most side effects from HIV medicines, such as nausea or occasional dizziness, are manageable. See the ClinicalInfo fact sheet on HIV Medicines and Side Effects for more information.

Some side effects of Epzicom can be serious. Serious side effects of Epzicom include allergic reactions, a buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), liver problems, and heart attack. (See section above: What are the most important things to know about Epzicom?)

Another possible side effect of Epzicom is a change in your immune system (called immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome or IRIS). IRIS is a condition that sometimes occurs when the immune system begins to recover after treatment with an HIV medicine. As the immune system gets stronger, it may have an increased response to a previously hidden infection.

Tell your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Epzicom. To learn more about possible side effects of Epzicom, read the drug label or package insert or talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.

You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or online.

How should Epzicom be stored?

• Store Epzicom between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
• Keep Epzicom in the container that it came in and keep the container tightly closed.
• Do not use Epzicom if the original seal over the container opening is broken or missing.
• Throw away Epzicom that is no longer needed or expired (out of date). Follow FDA guidelines on how to safely dispose of unused medicine.
• Keep Epzicom and all medicines out of reach of children.

Where can I find more information about Epzicom?

More information about Epzicom is available:

• The Epzicom drug label. The Patient Counseling Information section of the label includes information for people taking Epzicom.
• Epzicom-related research studies, from the ClinicalInfo database of ClinicalTrials.gov study summaries.
• A list of FDA-approved HIV medicines, from ClinicalInfo.