Kivexa

What is this medication for?

Abacavir and Lamivudine combination known as Kivexa®are both antiretroviral medications used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by preventing the virus from reproducing, and hence, reducing the amount of virus in your body. This increases the CD4 cell count in your body. CD4 cells are a type of immune cells that help your body fight off infections.

KIvexa® is not a cure for HIV infection. It must be taken on a daily basis to slow the progression of the disease.

How should I take or use this medication?

This medication can be taken with or without food.  Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew it. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your healthcare professional. Do not miss any doses in order to fully control the virus and prevent it from damaging your health. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding: 
• You have liver or kidney disease 
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have heart problems, smoke or have a medical condition that increases your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Headache
  • Mild painkiller (Paracetamol) can be taken to reduce the pain
• Tiredness
• Abdominal pain 
• Diarrhoea
  • Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. If diarrhoea persist, consult your doctor
• Dreams/sleep disorders such as bad dreams

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects persist or are intolerable.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Abacavir can cause a serious allergy reaction known as Abacavir-associated hypersensitivity reaction. This is characterised by:

• Fever
• Rash
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Extreme tiredness or achiness
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Sore throat

It can occur any time during the treatment with Abacavir but is more likely during the first 6 weeks of starting treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. You are more likely to develop a hypersensitivity reaction to Abacavir if you have the HLA-B*5701 gene. If you have been tested positive for this gene, your physician will not start  you on Abacavir therapy.

Rarely, Kivexa®  can cause a build-up of acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Consult your doctor if you experience signs of lactic acidosis such as:

• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or feeling light-headedness
• Stomach discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Muscle pain or cramps

This medication may affect the liver of some patients. Consult your doctor if you experience signs of liver problem such as:

• Yellowing of the skin and eye white
• Dark-coloured urine
• Light-coloured stools
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Upset stomach or stomach pain 

A higher chance of heart attack was seen in people who took Abacavir. It is not known if this effect is caused by Abacavir. Seek medical consult immediately if you experience signs of heart attack such as:

• Pressure or tightness of the chest
• Chest pain that radiates to the left arm, back or neck region
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea or vomiting

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.