TRIZIVIR

Drug Name: TRIZIVIR

TRIZIVIR DESCRIPTION:
ABACAVIR SULFATE/LAMIVUDINE/ZIDOVUDINE - ORAL (uh-BACK-uh-veer/lam-EYE-view-deen/zye-DOE-view-deen)

COMMON TRIZIVIR BRAND NAME(S):
Trizivir

TRIZIVIR SIDE EFFECTS:
Trouble sleeping or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, muscle weakness, mental or mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects occur: seizures, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin, rapid breathing, change in the amount of urine, unusual bleeding or bruising. An allergic reaction to TRIZIVIR is unlikely, but stop taking TRIZIVIR and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, extreme tiredness, headache, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, muscle weakness, achiness, cough, sore throat, mouth sores, stomach pain, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TRIZIVIR:
TRIZIVIR: Take TRIZIVIR by mouth, usually twice daily with or without food; or take as directed by your doctor. It is important to continue taking TRIZIVIR and other anti-HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking TRIZIVIR or skip any doses unless directed to do so by your doctor. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Carry the "Warning Card" with you at all times.

TRIZIVIR WARNING:
TRIZIVIR contains abacavir, which has been associated with severe allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including death. See Side Effects section for the symptoms of this allergic reaction. If you think you are having an allergic reaction to TRIZIVIR, stop using TRIZIVIR and seek medical attention immediately. TRIZIVIR should not be restarted following an allergic reaction because more severe symptoms may occur, including death. Severe allergic reactions, including death, have occurred in patients who restart TRIZIVIR, even if they have had no history or unrecognized symptoms of an allergic reaction. Do not stop and then restart TRIZIVIR unless directed to do so by your doctor. If you do stop and restart TRIZIVIR, make sure you have easy access to medical care. TRIZIVIR contains zidovudine, which has been associated with blood cell problems (e.g., neutropenia, anemia), especially in patients with advanced HIV disease. Prolonged use of zidovudine has been associated with muscle weakness (myopathy). Tell your doctor immediately if you have unusual weakness or tiredness or persistent sore throat or fever. Lactic acid build-up in the blood (lactic acidosis) and severe liver problems (hepatomegaly with steatosis) have been reported with the use of abacavir, zidovudine, and lamivudine, alone and in combination with other HIV medications. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of lactic acid build-up and liver problems, which include unusual tiredness, rapid breathing, dark urine, or yellowing eyes and skin. The long-term effects of TRIZIVIR are unknown at this time. Information on the use of TRIZIVIR in patients with advanced HIV (viral load levels greater than 100,000 copies/ml) is limited at this time.

TRIZIVIR USES:
Abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine, alone or in combination with other drugs, is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by slowing the growth of the virus. TRIZIVIR is not intended for use in children. TRIZIVIR is not a cure for HIV infection. You may continue to have illnesses associated with HIV infection. TRIZIVIR does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

TRIZIVIR PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, heart disease, alcohol dependence, blood disorders, bone marrow problems, hepatitis B infection, diabetes, major injury/surgery/infection, allergies (especially to abacavir, zidovudine, lamivudine). TRIZIVIR may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. If you must stop using TRIZIVIR due to an allergic reaction, never use TRIZIVIR or abacavir again; death could result. Consult your doctor and read the "Warning Card" for more information. If you stop using TRIZIVIR (e.g., forget to order a refill) even for a short time and 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 TRIZIVIR, and be sure you have easy access to medical care if you are restarting treatment. TRIZIVIR should not be used in teenagers or adults who weigh less than 88 pounds (40 kg). Consult your doctor for more information. Caution is advised when using TRIZIVIR in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to drug effects. TRIZIVIR should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The zidovudine in TRIZIVIR passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

TRIZIVIR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
TRIZIVIR is not recommended for use with ribavirin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs that can cause liver problems (e.g., isoniazid), drugs that affect the bone marrow (e.g., anticancer drugs, chloramphenicol), trimethoprim/sulfameth- oxazole, atovaquone, fluconazole, methadone, valproic acid, ganciclovir, interferon-alpha, probenecid, protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir). TRIZIVIR contains abacavir, zidovudine, and lamivudine. Do not take other medicine containing abacavir, zidovudine, or lamivudine unless directed to do so by your doctor. This product can interfere with certain lab tests (e.g., liver). Inform laboratory personnel that you are using this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TRIZIVIR OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, drowsiness, or mental/mood changes.

TRIZIVIR NOTES:
Do not share TRIZIVIR with others. Keep all doctor appointments and scheduled laboratory tests (e.g., blood counts, liver tests) because your therapy will be monitored.

MISSED TRIZIVIR DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately (see Precautions section for more details).

TRIZIVIR STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.