Ziagen (abacavir) approved: caution essential. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Ziagen (abacavir) approved: caution essential.

AIDS Treat News. 1999 Jan 8;(No 310):1, 3-6. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/20700010
James JS

Abstract: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced accelerated approval of Glaxo-Wellcome's abacavir (Ziagen, 1592) in combination with other antiretrovirals. Abacavir is in the same nucleoside analog class as AZT, but abacavir has stronger effects against HIV. Use of the drug requires caution, because it can cause a serious hypersensitivity or allergic reaction in 5 percent of patients. If abacavir is stopped and restarted, the hypersensitivity can be more fatal. Little is known about long-term use of the drug or its effects when in combination with other anti-HIV medications other than AZT plus 3TC.

Keywords: NEWSLETTER ARTICLE Adult Anti-HIV Agents/ADVERSE EFFECTS/*THERAPEUTIC USE Child Dideoxynucleosides/ADVERSE EFFECTS/*THERAPEUTIC USE Drug Approval Drug Hypersensitivity Drug Therapy, Combination HIV Infections/*DRUG THERAPY Human United States Food and Drug Administration

KWDnewsletterarticleadultanti-hivagents/adverseeffects/KWDtherapeuticusechilddideoxynucleosides/adverseeffects/KWDtherapeuticusedrugapprovaldrughypersensitivitydrugtherapy,combinationhivinfections/KWDdrugtherapyhumanunitedstatesfoodanddrugadministration
000330
A0030939

Copyright © 2000 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .