ZIAGEN

Drug Name: ZIAGEN

ZIAGEN DESCRIPTION:
ABACAVIR - ORAL (uh-BACK-uh-veer)

COMMON ZIAGEN BRAND NAME(S):
Ziagen

ZIAGEN SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache and trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Very unlikely but report promptly dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, rapid breathing or a change in amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to ZIAGEN include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, extreme tiredness, achiness, stomach pain, swelling, trouble breathing, cough or sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ZIAGEN:
ZIAGEN: Take ZIAGEN by mouth as directed, generally twice daily with or without food. Dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Carry the "Warning Card" with you at all times. It is very important to continue taking ZIAGEN and other anti-HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.

ZIAGEN WARNING:
ZIAGEN can cause severe, even fatal, allergic reactions, liver problems, and blood acid-base balance (lactic acidosis) problems. If you develop symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, difficult or rapid breathing, cough, throat inflammation, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, drowsiness, muscle aches, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea immediately stop using ZIAGEN and notify your doctor. Do not restart ZIAGEN if an allergic reaction to this drug has occurred because more severe, life-threatening problems could occur (including low blood pressure and death). Also, if an allergic reaction is only suspected, ZIAGEN should never be restarted. (See precautions regarding stopping and starting ZIAGEN.) It is not known how long ZIAGEN will benefit those with HIV infection.

ZIAGEN USES:
ZIAGEN is used to treat HIV infection in combination with other anti-HIV medications.

ZIAGEN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies, liver disease, alcohol dependence and diabetes. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify side effects of this drug. If you must stop using ZIAGEN 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. ZIAGEN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether ZIAGEN is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before breast-feeding.

ZIAGEN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any drugs causing liver problems (e.g., isoniazid). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ZIAGEN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ZIAGEN NOTES:
ZIAGEN is not a cure for HIV infection but has shown positive results. You may continue to have illnesses related to HIV infection. Keep all doctor appointments and scheduled laboratory tests (e.g., liver function) as your therapy will be monitored. Be aware that ZIAGEN does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This is a potent medication which should not be shared.

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

ZIAGEN STORAGE:
Store capsules at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. The oral liquid may be stored at room temperature or may be refrigerated. Do not freeze. 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.