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Abacavir/Lamivudine/ Zidovudine Trizivir
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a-BAK-a-veer, la-MI-vyoo-deen, zye-DOE-vyoo-deen   Audio

Brand Name: Trizivir  Audio
Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Trizivir includes three antiretroviral drugs: abacavir sulfate (Ziagen), lamivudine (Epivir), and zidovudine (Retrovir). Each of these drugs is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine are approved individually by the FDA for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children. Because these three medicines frequently are prescribed together, the manufacturer has combined them into one tablet. Trizivir was approved by the FDA as a combination on November 14, 2000, for treatment of HIV in adults and teenagers who weigh at least 88 pounds. Recent study results have shown that Trizivir should be used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. Studies are now being done to see which other drugs work best with Trizivir.
Trizivir does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Trizivir comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth.

Recommended Daily Dose
The recommended dosage of Trizivir is one tablet (300 mg of abacavir sulfate, 150 mg of lamivudine, and 300 mg of zidovudine) twice a day. Trizivir is not recommended for individuals who weigh less than 88 pounds. Some individuals, such as those with kidney or liver disease, may require a different dose of abacavir, lamivudine, or zidovudine. These individuals should not take Trizivir.

Contraindications
Warnings and side effects of Trizivir may be similar to those for each of the medicines separately. (See individual drug fact sheets for abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine for more information.) Individuals who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to abacavir (in Trizivir or Ziagen) should not take Trizivir. Individuals who test positive for HLA B*5701, a marker for tis serious allergic reaction, should not receive Trizivir. Individuals who have liver or kidney disorders, people who weigh less than 88 pounds, and children should not take Trizivir. Pregnant women and individuals who have blood disorders or an inflamed pancreas should tell a doctor before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, Trizivir can cause some unwanted effects. Trizivir contains abacavir sulfate, which has caused serious allergic reactions resulting in death. This reaction usually occurs during the first 6 weeks of taking the drug but can occur at any time. Individuals taking this medicine should stop taking it and tell a doctor right away if any of the following occur: sudden fever, skin rash, severe tiredness or achiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough, or general ill feeling. These symptoms are listed on the prescription's warning card, which the individual should carry. If a doctor suspects an allergic reaction, the individual should never take abacavir or an abacavir-containing medicine again; death could occur within hours. If abacavir treatment is stopped for a period of time, it is important that a doctor be notified before restarting the medicine.
The medicines in Trizivir, like other NRTIs, can cause a sometimes fatal lactic acidosis and liver disease as well as blood problems or muscle weakness. A doctor should be notified if an individual taking this medication experiences digestive system problems, joint or muscle pain and weakness, pain or tingling of hands or feet, headache, dizziness, and unusual tiredness. Some side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications, prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications, also being taken.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Abacavir/Lamivudine/ Zidovudine.

Manufacturer Information
Abacavir/Lamivudine/ Zidovudine
  GlaxoSmithKline
  5 Moore Drive
  Research Triangle Park,  NC  27709
  (888) 825-5249
    
Updated July 23, 2008