Zerit is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine combination will not cure or prevent HIV infection or the symptoms of AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing, and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of serious health problems usually related to AIDS or HIV infection. Abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine combination will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV infection. |
| What are the recommended dosage for the medicine? |
ADULTS
The recommended dose is 300 milligrams twice a day in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.
CHILDREN
The recommended dose for children and adolescents 3 months to 16 years of age is 8 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight twice a day in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. Do not exceed 300 milligrams twice a day |
What are the side effects of taking this medicine? |
Headache and trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Very unlikely but report promptly: dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, rapid breathing, change in amount of urine. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to this drug include: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, extreme tiredness, achiness, stomach pain, swelling, trouble breathing, cough, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
There have been other side effects noted in patients receiving NORVIR; however, have been due to other medicines that patients were taking or to the illness effects can be serious. If you have questions about side effects, ask your doctor, should report any new or persistent symptoms to your doctor immediately. |
| What are the precautions while taking the medicine? |
| Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), liver disease, alcohol dependence, diabetes. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify side effects of this drug. If you must stop using this drug due to an allergic reaction, never use the drug again or death could result. Consult MD and read the "Warning Card" for more details. If you stop using abacavir (e.g., forget to order a refill) even for a short time and then restart the drug, you have an increased chance of developing the very serious (possibly fatal) allergic reaction. Do not stop treatment unless specifically instructed to do so. Know the symptoms of this allergic reaction (see side effects section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist before restarting abacavir, and be sure you have easy access to medical care if you are restarting treatment. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before breast-feeding. |
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