Abacavir is an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV. It belongs to a class called NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) and helps stop the virus from copying itself. If you're on or considering an HIV regimen that includes abacavir, this page gives clear, useful facts you can use when talking with your clinician.
Abacavir blocks an enzyme HIV needs to reproduce. Doctors commonly pair it with other antiretrovirals to form a backbone for combination therapy. People choose abacavir when their medical team thinks it fits best for viral control, tolerability, or pregnancy plans. Your doctor will weigh other health issues and tests before prescribing.
The most critical safety check is the HLA‑B*57:01 genetic test. If you test positive for HLA‑B*57:01, abacavir can cause a serious hypersensitivity reaction. That reaction often starts with fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or breathing trouble. If you get those symptoms, stop abacavir immediately and get medical help—do not restart it later without specific testing and advice.
Common side effects include headache, tiredness, nausea, and loss of appetite. Abacavir can rarely affect the liver and may cause changes in blood counts. Some reports linked abacavir with a small increase in heart attack risk; if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, discuss this with your doctor.
Typical adult dosing is 300 mg twice daily (check the exact tablet and combination you receive). Abacavir can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose—don't double up. Stick to your schedule: consistent dosing helps prevent resistance.
Before starting, ask your provider about: the HLA‑B*57:01 test results, pregnancy plans, other medicines you take (some interactions matter), and how treatment success will be monitored (viral load and blood tests). Keep follow-up appointments so your team can check side effects and viral control.
Abacavir is available as a generic, often combined with other antiretrovirals in single‑tablet regimens. That can make taking treatment easier but check the exact ingredients so you know what you're getting. Store tablets at room temperature and keep them away from kids and pets.
Want to know more specific things—like how abacavir fits into a single‑tablet regimen or what to do if you have allergic symptoms? Ask your clinician or pharmacist. They can explain how abacavir works with your full health picture and tailor the plan to you.
