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Abacavir, commonly abbreviated “ABC,” is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection [1][2]. It belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class of antiretroviral medications, which work by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, a key enzyme for viral multiplication, ultimately preventing duplication of the HIV virus [3]. Within the NRTI class, abacavir is a carbocyclic nucleoside. Similar to other NRTI’s, abacavir is used in combination with other HIV medications, and is not indicated for use as monotherapy in the treatment of HIV [4]. Abacavir is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, which is updated every 2 years and includes a “list of minimum medicine needs for a basic health-care system” [5].
Abacavir is generally well tolerated; however, it has black box warnings for hypersensitivity, liver damage, and lactic acidosis [1]. Genetic testing can indicate whether an individual is likely to exhibit hypersensitivity [1]. Common symptoms of abacavir-associated hypersensitivity include rash, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue [1].
Commonly, abacavir is formulated in combination with other HIV medications, such as abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine, and abacavir/lamivudine [3]. It also comes individually formulated as a tablet or a solution [1].
- ^ a b c d e Yuen, Geoffrey J.; Weller, Steve; Pakes, Gary E. (2012-09-13). "A Review of the Pharmacokinetics of Abacavir". Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 47 (6): 351–371. doi:10.2165/00003088-200847060-00001. ISSN 0312-5963.
- ^ "Drug Name Abbreviations | Adult and Adolescent ARV Guidelines | AIDSinfo". AIDSinfo. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
- ^ a b "Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs or 'nukes') - HIV/AIDS". www.hiv.va.gov. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
- ^ "What Not to Use | Adult and Adolescent ARV Guidelines | AIDSinfo". AIDSinfo. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
- ^ "WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines". World Health Organization. Retrieved 2016-11-08.