Epzicom (Abacavir/Lamivudine)

What is Epzicom?

Epzicom, an antiviral drug that contains the active ingredients abacavir and lamivudine. It comes from a class of drugs known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

What is Epzicom used for?

Epzicom is used along with other prescription medicines for treating HIV infection.

How does Epzicom work?

Epzicom limits the multiplication of HIV virus, thereby, reducing the possibility of getting infected easily. It prevents the virus from infecting other healthy parts of the body and improves the immune system of the patients.

How to use Epzicom

Comply with the instructions given to you by your physician regarding the intensity and frequency of drug usage.

This medicine is usually directed to be used once a day and can be taken with or without food, as per the response of your body.

Doses of both the medicines, i.e., abacavir and lamivudine is fixed  after taking into consideration a number of medical factors, therefore it is not sensible to change the doses on your own. This is because skipping or altering the doses may change the effects of medicine on the virus.

Notify any improvement or deterioration of your medical condition to your doctor while you are on Epivir. Try to take it at the same time daily and avoid missing any dose, as the medicine works best, if its level is kept constant in the body for the stipulated time.

Epzicom warnings and precautions

If you are allergic to either of the drugs, make sure the doctor, who is prescribing you Epzicom knows about it. Also, tell your doctor about all the prescription, over the counter and herbal medicines plus that you use. Also intimate him about any surgical procedures or treatments that you are undergoing. You strictly need to limit the alcohol use, if you are on this medicine. Avoid driving or doing heavy mechanical and physical work while you are taking Epzicom.

Children and elderly people should take Epzicom only if is prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, after complete medical examination.

Ppregnant and lactating women should consult their doctors before taking Epzicom.

What do I do if I have missed a Epzicom dose?

If you have missed your Epzicom dose, you should take it whenever you recall but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Epzicom overdose?

If you have taken an Epzicom overdose you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for assistance.

Epzicom interactions

There is a possibility that the effects of the drugs can change, if taken simultaneously without prior medical consulting. It is therefore, advised that you must ask you physician about any predicted interaction that can trouble you.

Make sure you are not using some other medicines that break down into the ingredients of the Epzicom after processing.

Avoid taking Emtricitabine with Epzicom, as it may result in serious side effects. Also, interferon alfa, methadone, zalcitabine and ribavirin should not be taken concurrently.

Ask your doctor from time to time and inform him if you think the drug is giving unwanted results because of interactions or is causing severe signs of allergic reactions or other health related problems.

Epzicom side effects

If you experience side effects of Epzicom that reflect the symptoms of intense allergic reactions including fever, skin rashes, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and body aches, talk to your doctor and ask for further medical assistance. If these symptoms persist, they can cause serious medical complications.

Also, after taking Epzicom, some patients have reported problems like jaundice, dark urine, lactic acidosis, numbness in limbs and other parts of body, tiredness, and chills. These symptoms demand immediate medical attention.