abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine (Trizivir)

Trizivir is a combination oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Trizivir contains abacavir (Ziagen), lamivudine (Epivir) and zidovudine (Retrovir), which are three different anti-HIV drugs with different mechanisms of action. Anti-HIV drugs are often used in combination to increase HIV suppression and to reduce the chance of the HIV developing resistance to any single drug. Combining these three drugs into one pill reduces the number of individual medications that a patient has to take, which makes it easier for patients to comply with therapy. Administration of one tablet of Trizivir is equal to giving 300 mg of abacavir, 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine together. Trizivir does not reduce the transmission of HIV among individuals, and it does not cure HIV or AIDS. Trizivir was approved by the FDA in November 2000.

What brand names are available for abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine?

Trizivir

Is abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine available as a generic drug?

No.

Do I need a prescription for abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine?

Yes.

Trizivir causes the same side effect as its component drugs, abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine. The most common side effects are:

• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• weight loss, and
• difficulty sleeping.

Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions involving several organs have been associated with abacavir, a component of Trizivir. Symptoms include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, aches, shortness of breath, cough, and sore throat. Patients should discontinue Trizivir if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. Patients who carry a certain genetic marker called HLA-B 5701 are at high risk for experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir. Screening for the HLA-B 5701 allele is recommended prior to initiating therapy with abacavir.

Other important side effects of the abacavir component include:

• pancreatitis,
• liver failure
• metabolic disturbance (lactic acidosis)
• decrease in blood cells,
• muscle pain
• weakness and nerve damage in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy).

The recommended dose for adults and adolescents is one tablet twice daily.

Use of Trizivir by nursing women has not been adequately studied. Nevertheless, HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed because of the potential risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.

What preparations of abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine are available?

Tablets: 300 mg abacavir/150 mg lamivudine/300 mg zidovudine.

How should I keep abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine stored?

Capsules and powder should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).