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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Kivexa and Equivalent

Kivexa Information

Kivexa (Abacavir/ Lamivudine) is a medication used for antiretroviral combination therapy for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults, adolescents and children weighing at least 25 kg. Kivexa belongs to the class of medication called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) which works because reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV that is needed to infect cells in order to make more virus and Abacavir and lamivudine prevent reverse transcriptase from working properly. Overall, this medication prevents the HIV virus from reproducing. This medication does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It is used in combination with other anti-HIV medications to slow further growth or reproduction of HIV and seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system.

Kivexa Side Effects

Common side effects of Kivexa include:
• Diarrhea (without other symptoms);
• Fatigue;
• Fever (without other symptoms);
• Hair loss;
• Headache (without other symptoms);
• Joint and muscle pain (without any other symptoms);
• Lack of energy;
• Loss of appetite;
• Nausea (without other symptoms);
• Skin rash (without other symptoms);
• Trouble sleeping;
• Upper abdominal pain (without other symptoms);
• Vomiting (without other symptoms)

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these adverse effects occur:
• Signs of anemia (low red blood cells; dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath);
• Signs of bleeding in the stomach (bloody, black, or tarry stools, spitting up of blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds);
• Signs of clotting problems (unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding);
• Signs of depression (poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide);
• Signs of infection (fever or chills, sore throat, cough);
• Signs of lactic acidosis;
• symptoms of liver problems (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, diarrhea);
• Signs of pancreatitis;
• Signs of severe skin reactions

Kivexa Precautions

Do not take Kivexa if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor of any other medications you take including prescription medication, over the counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements, to avoid any negative interactions between drugs. Let your doctor know if you take:
• Alcohol;
• Co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim);
• Emtricitabine;
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir);
• Methadone;
• Orlistat;
• Retinoid medications;
• Sorbitol;
• Trimethoprim

Inform your doctor of your previous medical history or if you have:
• Bone marrow disorder;
• Heart problems;
• Hepatitis B;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, contact your doctor if you become pregnant while on this medication. This medication can pass into breastmilk, and can possibly harm a nursing child, consult your doctor before breastfeeding your child.

Do I need a prescription to order Kivexa?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Kivexa.