Epzicom is a prescription medication that is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Epzicom is a combination medication that contains the antiviral medications abacavir and lamivudine. Epzicom works by preventing HIV from multiplying within your body.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take Epzicom with or without food.
• Your doctor may want you to have frequent liver function tests while taking this medication and continuing after your final dose.
• Do not change the frequency you take this medication or the dosage, even for a short time unless your doctor directs you to.
• Refill your prescription early to make sure that there is no pause in your treatment.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of liver disease, a gene variation called HLA-B*5701, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, kidney disease, heart problems, heart attack, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• If you smoke.
• If you drink alcohol daily.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. If HIV is not controlled carefully during pregnancy, it can pass to the baby.

You should also know:

• You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed as the virus can pass to a baby via breast milk.

Common side effects of Epzicom include but are not limited to:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness or tiredness.
• Depression.
• Nausea,
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Rashes.
• Changes to the shape or location of body fat.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of Epzicom.

• Menstrual changes.
• Impotence.
• Liver problems including dark urine, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, jaundice, swelling around the midsection or pain in the upper right side of the stomach.
• Signs of lactic acidosis including irregular heart rate, stomach pain, unusual muscle pain, weakness, tiredness, feeling cold, dizziness, vomiting or breathing problems.
• Signs of a new infection including wheezing, swollen glands, fever, night sweats, cough, cold sores, diarrhea, weight loss.
• Swelling in the throat or neck.
• Speaking or swallowing troubles.
• Weakness or a prickly feeling.
• Balance problems.
• Vision problems.

  Seek medical help if you have side effects from two or more of the following side effect groups.

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Fever
• Shortness of breath, sore throat or coughing.
• Rash.
• General ill feeling, body aches or extreme tiredness.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Epzicom?

If you miss a dose of Epzicom, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip your missed dose.

What else is Epzicom called?

Epzicom is also known as Kivexa internationally. Kivexa is the same brand name medication with a different name internationally and is not a generic alternative medication. Generic Epzicom is called abacavir/lamivudine.