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abacavir / lamivudine

Generic Epzicom
Used for HIV Treatment
Used for HIV Treatment

Epzicom is a combination medication containing two HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), abacavir (Ziagen) and lamivudine (Epivir). It's used with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV.

Last reviewed on April 1, 2021
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What is Epzicom?

What is Epzicom used for?

  • HIV treatment

How Epzicom works

Epzicom contains two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They insert themselves into the virus' DNA and stop the DNA-making process. When this happens, the HIV virus can't make copies of itself.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsEpzicom
Drug ClassHIV ARV Combo
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$3360.120
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What are the side effects of Epzicom?

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%)
  • Tiredness and fatigue (6%)
  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Nausea (5%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Rash (5%)
  • Fever (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Anxiety

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: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Epzicom

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Pros

Contains 2 first choice HIV ARV options

Convenient dosing (1 tablet, once a day, with or without food)

Same dose for everyone weighing more than 55 lbs (25 kg)

Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B

Available as a generic, which can be more affordable

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Cons

Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems

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

Not a good option for people with heart problems

People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting Epzicom

People with hepatitis B can have worsened hepatitis B if they suddenly stop taking Epzicom

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Epzicom

pharmacist
  • Try to take your tablet at the same time every day. This will help keep the amount of medication in your body consistent.

    • 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 Epzicom so you know if you are having a reaction. Carry the card with you while you are taking Epzicom.

      • If you have an allergic reaction to Epzicom, 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.

        • Don't stop taking Epzicom without talking to your healthcare provider first, especially if you have hepatitis B.

          • If you forget to take Epzicom, or run out of medication for more than a few days, talk to your healthcare provider before starting it again.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Epzicom

            What should I do if I forget a dose of Epzicom?
            If you forget your dose of Epzicom, take it as soon as you remember unless it has been more than 12 hours. If it's been longer than 12 hours go ahead and skip the dose. Never double up on doses.
            When's the best time of day to take Epzicom?
            Epzicom can be taken at any time of the day. The most important thing is that you keep the time consistent. Many people prefer to take all of their HIV ARVs at the same time. Pay attention to dosing instructions and food requirements of your other HIV ARVs.
            Does Epzicom cause weight gain?
            Changes in weight are not common with Epzicom.
            Is Epzicom still used?
            Yes, Epzicom is still used by many people throughout the world. It's not as commonly used as it was before, since there are newer HIV ARV combination tablets that are full regimens.
            Who makes Epzicom?
            ViiV Healthcare is the original maker of Epzicom and still makes the brand name product. It's now available as generic and made by a number of manufacturers.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Epzicom?

            Epzicom 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 Epzicom. 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 Epzicom you should never take Epzicom. Stop taking Epzicom and seek medical help right away if you have symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups.

              risk-warning

              WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B

              • Risk factors: Hepatitis B virus | Stopping Epzicom

                People who have stopped taking Epzicom have had severe worsening of their hepatitis B. Don't stop taking Epzicom unless instructed by your healthcare provider. If you are instructed to stop the medication or switch to a different antiviral medication, make sure you get your labs drawn regularly. This is how your provider will monitor your liver and HBV.

                risk-warning

                LIVER PROBLEMS

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

                  Although rare, NRTIs including Epzicom 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 Epzicom 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 Epzicom 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 Epzicom.

                    risk-warning

                    HEART ATTACK

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

                      People taking Epzicom 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

                      Epzicom dosage forms

                      The average cost for 90 tablets of 600mg/300mg of Epzicom is $3838.12 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.14% off the average retail price of $4806.09.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      600mg/300mg90 tablets$3838.12$42.65

                      Typical dosing for Epzicom

                      The recommended dose is 1 tablet once daily. Each tablet contains 600 mg of abacavir and 300 mg of lamivudine.

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                      What are alternatives to Epzicom?

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