What is Abacavir?

Abacavir is an antiretroviral medication primarily used in the treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It is not a cure for HIV, but when taken in combination with other antiretrovirals, it helps to manage the virus effectively.

✅ What is Abacavir Treatment Used For?

• Primary Use: Abacavir is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children.
• It helps to reduce the viral load (amount of HIV in the body) and increase CD4+ T cell counts, improving immune function.
• This, in turn, reduces the risk of HIV-related complications and improves quality of life.

 What is the Mechanism of Action for Abacavir?

Abacavir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

• It mimics natural nucleosides, which are the building blocks of DNA.
• Once inside the cell, it is converted to carbovir triphosphate, its active form.
• This active metabolite inhibits the reverse transcriptase enzyme — a key enzyme used by HIV to replicate.
• By inserting itself into the viral DNA chain, it causes premature chain termination, thereby stopping the virus from multiplying.

⚠️ What is the Main Side Effect of Abacavir?

The most serious side effect is a hypersensitivity reaction, which can be potentially life-threatening.

Symptoms of hypersensitivity may include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue or general ill feeling
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, cough, shortness of breath)

 Important Note: People with the HLA-B*5701 gene variant are at higher risk for this reaction. Genetic screening is recommended before starting abacavir.

Other common side effects:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia

 What Class is Abacavir and Lamivudine?

Both Abacavir and Lamivudine belong to the class of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs).

• They are often used together in a fixed-dose combination (such as Abacavir/Lamivudine under brand names like Epzicom, Kivexa, or Ziagen).
• This combination enhances antiretroviral efficacy and simplifies treatment regimens.

 Summary Table: