Laboratory abnormalities include elevated liver function tests, elevated creatine phosphokinase, elevated creatinine, and lymphopenia. This reaction generally occurs in the first 6 weeks of therapy. Patients suspected of having a hypersensitivity reaction should have ABC stopped and not restarted since hypotension and death have occurred upon rechallange. Diarrhea, pancreatitis, increased liver enzymes, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, lactic acidosis. Abacavir does not inhibit, nor is it metabolized by, hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Ethanol decreases elimination of abacavir, resulting in a modest increase in drug exposure.
Special instructions Can be given without regard to food. Patients and parents must be cautioned about the risk of serious hypersensitivity reaction. A medication guide and warning card should be provided. Professional Information Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents Initiating Therapy in the Patient with Asymptomatic HIV Infection Table 6. Recommended Antiretroviral Agents for Treatment of Established HIV Infection Table 7.