Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Abacavir. It is used in combination with other medications to help treat HIV infection and keep it under control. People with HIV have a better quality of life and are living longer than ever before. To do so, it is important to take HIV medications exactly as your doctor tells you to.

Abacavir is often taken one or two times each day. Abacavir is available as a tablet and as a liquid. If you take the tablet, be sure to swallow it whole. If you take the liquid, remember to shake the bottle well before measuring the dose. Always use a measuring spoon or dosing spoon to measure liquid medicines and never a household spoon. You can take your dose with or without food. You should not miss doses or run out of this medicine. If you do, the virus could increase and become harder to treat.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling unwell. Some people may have headaches, trouble sleeping, or bad dreams. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. In children, a fever or rash is common but can be a sign of a more serious reaction. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking Abacavir, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. With Abacavir, this includes a serious allergic reaction. Your pharmacist will give you a warning card that lists what to look out for. Carry this card with you at all times. You should read the Medication Guide for more information. Your doctor will also discuss the risk of other possible problems, and may order tests to help keep this medicine safe for you.

Abacavir can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Also, check with your doctor before drinking alcohol.

While taking this medicine, you must still take precautions to prevent spreading HIV to others. Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant and should not breastfeed.

For best results with Abacavir, be sure to plan ahead for refills.