Abacavir, Lamivudine, and Zidovudine

(a BAK a veer, la MI vyoo deen, & zye DOE vyoo deen)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Unsafe allergic effects may happen. Tell your child's doctor about any fever, rash, feeling tired, upset stomach, throwing up, loose stools, belly pain, flu-like signs, sore throat, cough, or trouble breathing. Do not restart this drug if your child has had an allergic effect.
• This drug may cause liver problems and a change in acid levels in the blood. Closely read the part in this leaflet which lists when to call your doctor. Obesity, and/or longer therapy, may raise the chance.
• This drug is very strong. It may stop your child's bone marrow from making some of the cells that his/her body needs. Your child will need regular blood work to watch for side effects.
• This drug may cause muscle aches and stiffness if it is used for long periods of time. Closely read the part in this leaflet which lists when to call your doctor.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.
• Read the warning card and carry it with you at all times. It tells the signs to watch for in case an allergy happens.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has liver disease.
• Not if your child weighs less than 88 pounds (40 kilograms).

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat HIV infection.

How is this drug given?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If this drug is stopped because your child has an allergy to it, do not restart it. It may not be safe to restart this drug.
• If this drug is stopped for any other reason, do not restart it without talking to the doctor. It could be very risky to restart on your own.
• If this drug changes for HIV infection, make sure to ask your child's doctor about hepatitis B care.
• Do not run out of this drug.
• Have your child wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• This drug may cause your child to be less alert. Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness. These include playing (for example, riding a bicycle, rollerblading, sports) or using items that call for your child to have focus or coordination (for example, scissors, lawnmower, electric scooters, or toy cars). Your child's actions will be closely watched until you see how this drug affects him/her. School work may be hard for your child to focus on and get done.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Anemia and low white blood cell count.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Not hungry.
• Irritated pancreas may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has very bad muscle pain or weakness.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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