ABACAVIR (Generic for ZIAGEN)

Take this medication by mouth with water. You can take it 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 HIV 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.