Trizivir

(Abacavir Sulfate/Lamivudine/Zidovudine)

The active ingredients in Trizivir are abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. Trizivir is a combination antiretroviral medicine containing abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. All three are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that work by blocking the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, which the virus needs to convert its RNA into DNA. By preventing this step, Trizivir stops viral DNA formation, reduces HIV replication, and lowers the viral load when used as part of combination HIV therapy.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Trizivir. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Trizivir:

• Trizivir is taken by mouth as a tablet.
• The usual dose is one tablet taken twice daily.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole with or without food.
• Try to take Trizivir at the same time each day to maintain steady levels of the medicine in your body.
• Do not stop taking Trizivir unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
• Trizivir works best when taken consistently. Skipping doses can increase the risk of drug resistance and make HIV harder to treat.

Some mild or common side effects of Trizivir seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Abdominal pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Weight loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Trizivir. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Hypersensitivity reaction related to abacavir, which may include fever, skin rash, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or extreme tiredness.
• Lactic acidosis may cause deep or rapid breathing, muscle pain, weakness, stomach pain, dizziness, or a feeling of cold.
• Severe liver problems, including liver disease and hepatitis B flare-ups, occur in patients with hepatitis B infection.
• Bone marrow suppression, which can lead to anemia, neutropenia, or low red and white blood cell counts.
• Pancreatitis with severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Myopathy or muscle weakness associated with zidovudine use.
• Serious skin rash or allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Trizivir. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Trizivir, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Liver disease or a history of hepatitis B infection.
• Kidney disease.
• Low blood cell counts, anemia, or bone marrow problems.
• A history of pancreatitis.
• Muscle disorders or myopathy.
• High blood pressure or heart disease.
• Blood tests are required before and during treatment to monitor liver function, blood cell counts, and overall safety.

Boxed Warning

Trizivir has a boxed warning for life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, lactic acidosis, and severe liver problems. Patients must be tested for the HLA-B*5701 allele before starting Trizivir. Individuals who test positive for this allele are at higher risk of a serious allergic reaction and should not take Trizivir or any product containing abacavir. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, Trizivir must be stopped permanently and never restarted.

Trizivir should not be used in patients who:

• Test positive for the HLA-B*5701 allele.
• Have had a previous hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir, lamivudine, or zidovudine.
• Have severe liver disease.

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history before prescribing this medicine.

Trizivir begins working soon after starting treatment. Reduction in viral load may be seen within weeks, but full benefits may take several months. Treatment response varies depending on adherence, baseline viral load, immune system status, and whether Trizivir is used with other antiretroviral medicines.

When Trizivir is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Ribavirin or interferons may increase the risk of liver problems or anemia.
• Other nucleoside analogue medicines may increase toxicity.
• Indinavir or other protease inhibitors may affect drug levels or side effects.
• Tenofovir or emtricitabine, which may overlap with components of Trizivir.

Trizivir is available as a fixed-dose combination tablet containing abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine. The standard dosing regimen is one tablet twice daily.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

Trizivir is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare.

No. There is currently no generic version of Trizivir available.

Do not stop taking Trizivir without speaking to your healthcare provider. Stopping treatment suddenly may lead to viral rebound or worsening of hepatitis B infection in patients with coinfection. If Trizivir must be stopped due to side effects, your healthcare provider will recommend an alternative treatment plan.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. Trizivir may be used during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely and may perform additional blood tests.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended for people with HIV infection because of the risk of transmitting the virus through breast milk.