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Abacavir Coupon - Abacavir 300mg tablet

abacavir

Generic Ziagen
Used for HIV Treatment
Used for HIV Treatment

Abacavir (Ziagen) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It requires a genetic test before you start taking it because it can cause a severe allergic reaction.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 30, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Abacavir (Ziagen)?

What is Abacavir (Ziagen) used for?

  • HIV treatment

How Abacavir (Ziagen) works

Abacavir (Ziagen) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It inserts itself into the virus' DNA by pretending to be a DNA building block, but actually stops the DNA making process. When this happens, the HIV virus can't make copies of itself.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZiagen
Drug ClassHIV ARV
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$578.67(save 93.26%)
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$39.00
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What are the side effects of Abacavir (Ziagen)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (7%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Fatigue/tireness (7%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)
  • Rash (6%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Muscle Pain (6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Cough
  • Vomiting

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups:
  1. Fever
  2. Rash
  3. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
  4. Tiredness, achiness, feeling ill
  5. Shortness of breath, cough, sore throat

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

cough

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

fever

headache

joint or muscle pain

nausea

numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, or face

redness and soreness of the eyes

skin rash

sore throat

sores in the mouth

swelling of the feet or lower legs

unusual feeling of discomfort or illness

unusual tiredness

vomiting

Rare

Abdominal or stomach swelling

decreased appetite

fast, shallow breathing

sleepiness

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

chest pain or discomfort

chills

dark urine

itching

light-colored stools

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

red, irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

sweating

unusual weakness

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

yellow eyes and skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache

Less common

Trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

Breast enlargement

buffalo hump

central obesity

facial wasting

gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

peripheral wasting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Abacavir (Ziagen)

thumbs-up

Pros

It's the only NRTI that can be used safely at the same dose in people with severe kidney problems

Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets

Not many drug interactions

Can be used in children aged 3 months and older

Available as a tablet and oral solution

thumbs-down

Cons

Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal

Cannot be taken by anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to abacavir (Ziagen)

Not a good option for people with heart problems

Can't be used in people with severe liver problems

People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting abacavir (Ziagen)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Abacavir (Ziagen)

pharmacist

  • Take abacavir (Ziagen) at the same time(s) everyday. It can be taken with or without food.

    • Your medication will come with a warning card that lists all the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Make sure you read this card before you take abacavir (Ziagen) so you know if you are having a reaction. Carry the card with you while you are taking abacavir (Ziagen).

      • If you have an allergic reaction to abacavir (Ziagen), get rid of any remaining tablets. You should never take it again. Make sure you let your provider and pharmacist know your allergies so they put it in your medical record.

        • If you stop taking abacavir (Ziagen) for more than a few days, talk to your healthcare provider before starting it again.

          • The oral solution can be kept at room temperature. You can also store it in the fridge if you want to, but don't freeze it.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Abacavir (Ziagen)

            Who makes abacavir (Ziagen)?
            Abacavir (Ziagen) was first made by a company called ViiV. ViiV still makes the brand name Ziagen, but the medication is now available as a generic and made by many different maunfacturers.
            What should I do if I forget a dose of abacavir (Ziagen)?
            If you forget your dose of abacavir (Ziagen), take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses.
            Does abacavir (Ziagen) cause weight gain?
            Changes in weight are not common with abacavir (Ziagen).
            How does abacavir (Ziagen) work?
            Abacavir (Ziagen) inserts itself into the HIV virus' DNA and stops the DNA replication process so it can't make copies of itself. The medication will also stop your natural DNA replication process as well. That's what causes a lot of the side effects and why you should never take more medication than prescribed.
            When should I take abacavir (Ziagen)?
            If you are taking abacavir (Ziagen) once a day, it can be taken any time during the day as long as it's the same time everyday. If you are taking abacavir (Ziagen) twice a day, try to take each dose 12 hours apart from each other. You want to keep the amount of medication in your body consistent so the virus can't grow and become resistant to the medication. Many people living with HIV find it helpful to take all their HIV ARVs at the same time.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Abacavir (Ziagen)?

            Abacavir (Ziagen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION

            • Risk factors: Positive genetic test (HLA B5701)

              Life-threatening allergic reactions to have happened to people taking abacavir (Ziagen). This usually happens in the first 6 weeks after starting the medication. Your healthcare provider will do a genetic test before you start the medication to review your risk of having a reaction. If the test is positive, or you have a history of an allergic reaction to abacavir (Ziagen) you should never take abacavir (Ziagen). This includes HIV ARV combination tablets containing abacavir (Ziagen), such as Epzicom or Triumeq. Stop taking abacavir (Ziagen) and seek medical help right away if you have symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups.

              risk-warning

              LIVER PROBLEMS

              • Risk factors: Obesity | Women | History of liver problems

                Although rare, NRTIs including abacavir (Ziagen) can cause a life-threatening liver problem called lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis. Most of the cases have been in women. Symptoms include appetite loss, stomach pain, muscle pain, fast and shallow breathing, extreme tiredness, and sudden weakness. Stop taking abacavir (Ziagen) and go to the emergency room right away if this happens.

                risk-warning

                IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

                • Risk factors: Weakened immune system | Current untreated infection

                  HIV attacks your immune system. Over time, if the virus isn't treated your body may become defenseless against bacterial and fungal infections. Your HIV medications are very good at killing the virus, and when the number of viruses goes down, your immune system gets started making more cells. Once your immune system gets better, it will start to fight off any infections you might have, which can lead to a lot of inflammation. Even though it's a good thing that your immune system is getting better, too much inflammation can be bad. Your healthcare provider might check for underlying infections (sometimes called opportunistic infections) before starting abacavir (Ziagen) especially if it is your first time taking HIV medications. Call your provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes to your health after starting abacavir (Ziagen).

                  risk-warning

                  HEART ATTACK

                  • Risk factors: High blood pressure | High cholesterol | Diabetes

                    People taking abacavir (Ziagen) might be at a higher risk for having a heart attack, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Talk to your HIV provider about all the medications you are taking and let them know if you have a history of heart problems.

                    dosage

                    Abacavir (Ziagen) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 60 tablets of 300mg of Abacavir (Ziagen) is $39.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.26% off the average retail price of $578.67.
                    bottle of oral solution
                    Bottle of oral solution
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    240ml of 20mg/ml2 bottles$75.17$37.58
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    300mg60 tablets$39.00$0.65

                    Typical dosing for Abacavir (Ziagen)

                    Adults: The typical dose is 600 mg once daily or 300 mg twice daily

                    Children: The dose is based on the child's weight

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Abacavir (Ziagen) and other drugs

                    Abacavir (Ziagen) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Abacavir (Ziagen). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Abacavir (Ziagen) cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Ziagen (brand)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $39.00

                    (save 95.16%)
                    Abacavir (Ziagen) (generic)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $39.00

                    (save 93.26%)
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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Abacavir (Ziagen)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Abacavir (Ziagen). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Abacavir (Ziagen)
                    Used for:

                    • HIV treatment

                    $39.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
                    Used for:

                    • HIV treatment

                    $154.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
                    Used for:

                    • Treatment of HIV infection - people ages 2 years and older

                    • Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B - Brand Viread for people ages 2 years and older; generic for people ages 12 years and older

                    $54.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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