ACAMPROSATE

Information specific to: Acamprosate 333mg gastro-resistant tablets when used in Alcohol Dependence.

Acamprosate calcium (Ak-am-proh-sate kal-see-um) is a medicine which is used in alcohol dependence.
The information in this Medicine Guide for Acamprosate calcium varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Acamprosate calcium is used in the treatment of alcohol dependence. It works by reducing the desire or craving to drink alcohol. It is only given to people who have successfully stopped drinking. Acamprosate calcium helps to reduce the chances of you drinking again. People who are taking Acamprosate calcium will usually have a programme of counselling as part of their treatment. Treatment with Acamprosate calcium usually lasts one year.
Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.
The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.
If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Acamprosate calcium is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

• are aged over 65 years
• are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
• are breast-feeding
• have kidney problems
• have liver problems

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for someone who is under the age of 18 years.
As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

• to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects

Over time it is possible that Acamprosate calcium can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Acamprosate calcium has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• this medicine interacts with alcohol. The medicine may be less effective if taken with alcohol

You must not drink any alcohol if you are taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Acamprosate calcium

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• this medicine will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it

You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to take this medicine during pregnancy.
If the decision is that you should not have Acamprosate calcium, then you should discuss whether there is an alternative medicine that you could take during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• women who are breast-feeding must not take this medicine

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could take which would also allow you to breast-feed. You should not stop this medicine without taking advice from your doctor.

Taking other medicines

There are no known important interactions between Acamprosate calcium and other medicines. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Acamprosate calcium and other medicines you should tell your prescriber.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Acamprosate calcium.
Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber

Information specific to: Acamprosate 333mg gastro-resistant tablets when used in Alcohol withdrawal.

Acamprosate calcium (Ak-am-proh-sate kal-see-um) is a medicine which is used in alcohol dependence.
The information in this Medicine Guide for Acamprosate calcium varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Acamprosate calcium is used in the treatment of alcohol dependence. It works by reducing the desire or craving to drink alcohol. It is only given to people who have successfully stopped drinking. Acamprosate calcium helps to reduce the chances of you drinking again. People who are taking Acamprosate calcium will usually have a programme of counselling as part of their treatment. Treatment with Acamprosate calcium usually lasts one year.
Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.
The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.
If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Acamprosate calcium is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

• are aged over 65 years
• are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
• are breast-feeding
• have kidney problems
• have liver problems

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for someone who is under the age of 18 years.
As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

• to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects

Over time it is possible that Acamprosate calcium can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Acamprosate calcium has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• this medicine interacts with alcohol. The medicine may be less effective if taken with alcohol

You must not drink any alcohol if you are taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Acamprosate calcium

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• this medicine will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it

You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to take this medicine during pregnancy.
If the decision is that you should not have Acamprosate calcium, then you should discuss whether there is an alternative medicine that you could take during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
In the case of Acamprosate calcium:

• women who are breast-feeding must not take this medicine

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could take which would also allow you to breast-feed. You should not stop this medicine without taking advice from your doctor.

Taking other medicines

There are no known important interactions between Acamprosate calcium and other medicines. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Acamprosate calcium and other medicines you should tell your prescriber.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Acamprosate calcium.
Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

ABACAVIR LAMIVUDINE ZIDOVUDINE

Information specific to: Generic Trizivir tablets when used in HIV infection.

Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine (ab-ak-a-veer sull-fate/lam-iv-you-deen/zid-ov-you-deen) is a medicine which is used in HIV infection.
The information in this Medicine Guide for Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine is an anti-HIV medicine that is used in the treatment of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It contains three medicines - abacavir sulphate, lamivudine and zidovudine. Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine is used in combination with other anti-HIV medicines.
HIV weakens the body's immune system and reduces the body's ability to fight infections. Anti-HIV medicines do not kill the virus but they slow down or stop the HIV virus from making copies of itself. This allows the body's immune system to keep working and gives the body a chance to fight other infections. Anti-HIV medicines do not cure HIV infections or prevent you from getting other infections.
Anti-HIV medicines are most effective when taken in combination with other anti-HIV-medicines. Combination therapy reduces the chances of the virus becoming resistant to a single medicine. Resistance to medicines makes HIV treatment more difficult. For HIV therapy to be effective and to reduce the chances of developing resistance to your medicine, it is important you take the full daily dose and take your medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Some people who take the medicine abacavir may develop hypersensitivity reactions which can be fatal. These reactions usually occur within the first six weeks of taking abacavir but can happen anytime during treatment. Make sure you tell your prescriber if you have previously had a reaction to abacavir as it is important you do not take Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine or any preparation that contains the medicine abacavir. Re-starting treatment with abacavir may lead to a more serious reaction.
Your prescriber will advise you which signs and symptoms you need to look out for and what to do if they occur. They will also monitor you for these problems during treatment. If you develop any signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction you must immediately contact your prescriber.
It is important you take Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine regularly. If you repeatedly stop treatment with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine, you increase the chances of having a hypersensitivity reaction. If you have stopped taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine for any reason, seek advice from your prescriber before you start taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine again.
Some people with hepatitis B infection may find that their infection becomes worse when they stop taking the medicine lamivudine. Your prescriber may arrange for you to have tests to monitor your hepatitis for several months after stopping treatment with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine.
It is extremely important to continue taking precautions against passing HIV to other people while having treatment with anti-HIV medicines.
Women who are infected with HIV should not breast-feed their babies as the virus may be passed to the baby.
Other information about Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• people taking this medicine should be given an alert card. You should keep it with you at all times as it can alert anyone involved in your medical care that you are taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine. If you have any concerns or questions about taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine you should discuss them with your prescriber
• information on hypersensitivity reactions can also be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine

Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.
The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.
If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

• are aged over 65 years
• are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
• have blood and bone marrow problems
• have kidney problems
• have liver problems or have risk factors for developing liver problems such as if you have hepatitis B or C infection, drink alcohol heavily or are an overweight female
• have metabolic problems
• have risk factors for developing lipodystrophy syndrome
• have risk factors for heart problems such as: raised blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia or smoking
• have vitamin B12 deficiency

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for a child.
As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

• to determine whether or not the medicine is suitable and whether it must be prescribed with extra care
• to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects

Over time it is possible that Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• this medicine interacts with alcohol

You should seek advice from your prescriber as to whether you may drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Like all medicines Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine can cause side effects. You should see how this medicine affects you and then judge if you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• children born to mothers who took Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine during pregnancy may need regular check-ups
• you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it
• this medicine may harm your baby if taken during pregnancy

You should discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. This is so that together you can make a decision about what treatment you may need during your pregnancy.
You should discuss whether there are any other medicines which you could take during pregnancy which would treat your condition.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• women who are taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine should not breast-feed

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could take which would also allow you to breast-feed. You should not stop this medicine without taking advice from your doctor.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.
The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.
Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.
The following medicines may interact with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• amphotericin
• atovaquone
• cladribine
• clarithromycin
• dapsone
• doxorubicin
• emtricitabine
• fluconazole
• flucytosine
• ganciclovir
• interferon
• isotretinoin
• methadone
• pentamidine
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• pyrimethamine
• ribavirin
• rifampicin
• stavudine
• sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
• valproic acid
• vinblastine
• vincristine

The following types of medicine may interact with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine:

• anticonvulsants
• antifungal agents
• anti-infectives
• antimycobacterials
• medicines that are damaging to the kidney
• medicines that are metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system
• medicines that damage the skin
• myelosuppressives
• non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
• OCT inhibitors
• opioids
• other medicines that are broken down by the same enzymes as Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine
• other medicines that contain lamivudine
• protease inhibitors
• retinoids
• uricosuric agents

If you are taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine.
Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber

ABACAVIR LAMIVUDINA 600/300

Information specific to: Abacavir 600mg / Lamivudine 300mg tablets when used in HIV infection.

Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine (Ab-ak-a-veer sul-fate/Lam-iv-you-deen) is a medicine which is used in HIV infection.
The information in this Medicine Guide for Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine is an anti-HIV medicine that is used in the treatment of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It contains two medicines - abacavir sulphate and lamivudine. Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine is used in combination with other anti-HIV medicines.
HIV weakens the body's immune system and reduces the body's ability to fight infections. Anti-HIV medicines do not kill the virus but they slow down or stop the HIV virus from making copies of itself. This allows the body's immune system to keep working and gives the body a chance to fight other infections. Anti-HIV medicines do not cure HIV infections or prevent you from getting other infections.
Anti-HIV medicines are most effective when taken in combination with other anti-HIV-medicines. Combination therapy reduces the chances of the virus becoming resistant to a single medicine. Resistance to medicines makes HIV treatment more difficult. For HIV therapy to be effective and to reduce the chances of developing resistance to your medicine, it is important you take the full daily dose and take your medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Some people who take the medicine abacavir may develop hypersensitivity reactions which can be fatal. These reactions usually occur within the first six weeks of taking abacavir but can happen anytime during treatment. Make sure you tell your prescriber if you have previously had a reaction to abacavir as it is important you do not take Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine or any preparation that contains the medicine abacavir. Re-starting treatment with abacavir may lead to a more serious reaction.
Your prescriber will advise you which signs and symptoms you need to look out for and what to do if they occur. They will also monitor you for these problems during treatment. If you develop any signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction you must immediately contact your prescriber.
It is important you take Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine regularly. If you repeatedly stop treatment with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine, you increase the chances of having a hypersensitivity reaction. If you have stopped taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine for any reason, seek advice from your prescriber before you start taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine again.
Some people with hepatitis B infection may find that their infection becomes worse when they stop taking the medicine lamivudine. Your prescriber may arrange for you to have tests to monitor your hepatitis for several months after stopping treatment with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine.
It is extremely important to continue taking precautions against passing HIV to other people while having treatment with anti-HIV medicines.
Women who are infected with HIV should not breast-feed their babies as the virus may be passed to the baby.
Other information about Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• people taking this medicine should be given an alert card. You should keep it with you at all times as it can alert anyone involved in your medical care that you are taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine. If you have any concerns or questions about taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine you should discuss them with your prescriber
• information on hypersensitivity reactions can also be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine

Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.
The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.
If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

• are aged over 65 years
• are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
• have kidney problems
• have liver problems or have risk factors for developing liver problems such as if you have hepatitis B or C infection, if you drink alcohol heavily or if you are a female and are overweight
• have metabolic problems
• have risk factors for developing lipodystrophy syndrome
• have risk factors for heart problems such as raised blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia or smoking

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for a child who is under 12 years of age or for someone who weighs less than 40 Kg.
As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

• to determine whether or not the medicine is suitable and whether it must be prescribed with extra care
• to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects

Over time it is possible that Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• this medicine interacts with alcohol

You should seek advice from your prescriber as to whether you may drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Like all medicines Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine can cause side effects. You should see how this medicine affects you and then judge if you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• children born to mothers who took Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine during pregnancy may need regular check-ups
• you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it

You should discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. This is so that together you can make a decision about what treatment you may need during your pregnancy.
You should discuss whether there are any other medicines which you could take during pregnancy which would treat your condition.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• women who are infected with HIV should not breast-feed their babies as the virus may be passed to the baby

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.
The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.
Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.
The following medicines may interact with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• cimetidine
• cladribine
• didanosine
• emtricitabine
• isotretinoin
• lamivudine
• methadone
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• ranitidine
• ribavirin
• rifampicin
• sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
• zidovudine

The following types of medicine may interact with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine:

• cytotoxics
• liver enzyme inducers
• medicines that are metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system
• non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
• other cytidine analogues
• protease inhibitors
• retinoids

If you are taking Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Abacavir sulphate/Lamivudine.
Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

ABACAVIR

Information specific to: Abacavir 300mg tablets when used in HIV infection.

Abacavir sulphate (ab-ak-a-veer sull-fate) is a medicine which is used in HIV infection.
The information in this Medicine Guide for Abacavir sulphate varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Abacavir sulphate is an anti-HIV medicine that is used in the treatment of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is used in combination with other anti-HIV medicines.
HIV weakens the body's immune system and reduces the body's ability to fight infections. Anti-HIV medicines do not kill the virus but they slow down or stop the HIV virus from making copies of itself. This allows the body's immune system to keep working and gives the body a chance to fight other infections. Anti-HIV medicines do not cure HIV infections or prevent you from getting other infections.
Anti-HIV medicines are most effective when taken in combination with other anti-HIV-medicines. Combination therapy reduces the chances of the virus becoming resistant to a single medicine. Resistance to medicines makes HIV treatment more difficult. For HIV therapy to be effective and to reduce the chances of developing resistance to your medicine, it is important you take the full daily dose and take your medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Some people who take the medicine abacavir may develop hypersensitivity reactions which can be fatal. These reactions usually occur within the first six weeks of taking abacavir but can happen anytime during treatment. Make sure you tell your prescriber if you have previously had a reaction to abacavir as it is important you do not take Abacavir sulphate or any preparation that contains the medicine abacavir. Re-starting treatment with abacavir may lead to a more serious reaction.
Your prescriber will advise you which signs and symptoms you need to look out for and what to do if they occur. They will also monitor you for these problems during treatment. If you develop any signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction you must immediately contact your prescriber.
It is important you take Abacavir sulphate regularly. If you repeatedly stop treatment with Abacavir sulphate, you increase the chances of having a hypersensitivity reaction. If you have stopped taking Abacavir sulphate for any reason, seek advice from your prescriber before you start taking Abacavir sulphate again.
It is extremely important to continue taking precautions against passing HIV to other people while having treatment with anti-HIV medicines.
Women who are infected with HIV should not breast-feed their babies as the virus may be passed to the baby.
Other information about Abacavir sulphate:

• people taking this medicine should be given an alert card. You should keep it with you at all times as it can alert anyone involved in your medical care that you are taking Abacavir sulphate. If you have any concerns or questions about taking Abacavir sulphate you should discuss them with your prescriber
• information on hypersensitivity reactions can also be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine

Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.
The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.
If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Abacavir sulphate is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

• are aged over 65 years
• are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
• have kidney problems
• have liver problems or have risk factors for developing liver problems such as if you have hepatitis B or C infection, if you drink alcohol heavily or if you are a female and are overweight
• have metabolic problems
• have risk factors for developing a heart attack such as: raised blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia or smoking
• have risk factors for developing lipodystrophy syndrome

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for an infant who is under three months of age.
As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

• to determine whether or not the medicine is suitable and whether it must be prescribed with extra care
• to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects

Over time it is possible that Abacavir sulphate can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Abacavir sulphate has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate:

• this medicine interacts with alcohol

You should seek advice from your prescriber as to whether you may drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate:

• there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Abacavir sulphate

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Like all medicines Abacavir sulphate can cause side effects. You should see how this medicine affects you and then judge if you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate:

• you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it
• children born to mothers who took Abacavir sulphate during pregnancy may need regular check-ups

You should discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. This is so that together you can make a decision about what treatment you may need during your pregnancy.
You should discuss whether there are any other medicines which you could take during pregnancy which would treat your condition.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
In the case of Abacavir sulphate:

• women who are infected with HIV should not breast-feed their babies as the virus may be passed to the baby

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.
The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.
Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.
The following medicines may interact with Abacavir sulphate:

• methadone
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• ribavirin
• rifampicin

The following types of medicine may interact with Abacavir sulphate:

• liver enzyme inducers
• medicines that damage the skin such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
• retinoids

If you are taking Abacavir sulphate and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Abacavir sulphate.
Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.