Lamivudine
Uses
Lamivudine is used together with other anti-retroviral medicines in the treatment of HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis b virus (HBV) infection.
How it Works
Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue, it works by destroying CD4 helper cells and stopping the HIV virus from spreading.It blocks the action of the Reverse Transcriptase enzyme which helps the virus replicate, this results in destroying the viral HIV chain
Common Side effects
Patients who take Lamivudine may suffer from such side effects;
Fatigue,
Headache,
Insomnia,
Dyspepsia,
Nausea,
Cramps and Abdominal pain,
Dizziness,
Ear and/or Nasal infection,
Sore throat,
Skin rash,
Muscle pain,
Fever,
Chills,
Diarrhoea
Abacavir
Uses
Abacavir is an antiretroviral medicine, Abacavir is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Abacavir slows the progress of HIV infections, it controls the HIV virus and prevents it from spreading
How it Works
Abacavir treats HIV infections by inhibiting viral reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerases. The HIV virus needs An enzyme called RT (reverse transcriptase) to replicate its DNA in order to spread and infect more cells. Abacavir works by blocking the reverse transcriptase, this then helps to terminate the DNA chain and prevent the virus from multiplying. Abacavir slows down the HIV Infection progress in the body but it is not a cure.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Abacavir may suffer from such side effects;
Fatigue,
Headache,
Diarrhoea,
Nausea,
Vomiting,
Ear infection,
Nasal infection,
Throat infection,
Skin rash,
Fever,
Chills,
Abnormal dreams,
Dizziness
Expert advice
Before using Abacavir, inform your doctor about your current list of medications that you are taking, any allergies you may have, pre-existing diseases, if you smoke/drink in large amounts, and current health conditions such as if you are pregnant or have diabetes or high blood pressure. Take this product as directed by your doctor, which will be adviced based on evaluation on your current health conditions. Abacavir may cause serious or life-threatening allergic reaction and also may increase your risk of having a heart attack, therefore extra caution has to be taken when consuming this medication.
FAQ
Should I consume Abacavir on an empty stomach, before food or after food?
-Abacavir is normally consumed after food. However, we would advice you to follow your doctor's advice on how you should use this medicine.
How does Abacavir work?
-Abacavir works by blocking the function of reverse transcriptase, which inhibits replication of HIV thereby decreasing its level in the blood. However this medicine is not a cure.
Is Abacavir safe to consume or apply when pregnant or breastfeeding?
-No
What is Abacavir used for?
-Abacavir is used in the treatment of HIV infection along with other medications.