Abacavir Sulfate/Lamivudine Atlanta Medicare Patient Counseling Information

Essential patient information: Prescribers must ensure that patients are fully informed regarding the following information on the hypersensitivity reaction: Patients must be made aware of the possibility of a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir that may result in a life-threatening reaction or death.
Patients developing signs or symptoms possibly linked with a hypersensitivity reaction MUST CONTACT their doctor IMMEDIATELY.
Patients who are hypersensitive to abacavir should be reminded that they must never take the fixed-dose combination Abacavir 600 mg / Lamivudine 300 mg tablets or any other medicinal product containing abacavir (Ziagen or Trizivir) again.
In order to avoid restarting abacavir, patients who have experienced a hypersensitivity reaction should dispose of their remaining the fixed-dose combination Abacavir 600 mg / Lamivudine 300 mg tablets tablets in their possession in accordance with the local requirements, and ask their doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Patients who have stopped the fixed-dose combination Abacavir 600 mg / Lamivudine 300 mg tablets for any reason, and particularly due to possible adverse reactions or illness, must be advised to contact their doctor before restarting.
Patients should be advised of the importance of taking the fixed-dose combination Abacavir 600 mg / Lamivudine 300 mg tablets regularly.
Each patient should be reminded to read the Package Leaflet included in the fixed-dose combination Abacavir 600 mg / Lamivudine 300 mg tablets package.
They should be reminded of the importance of removing the Alert Card included in the package, and keeping it with them at all times.