ABAMUNE L Tablet is used in treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in adults, and children weighing more than 25 kg.

ABAMUNE L Tablet may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

ABAMUNE L Tablet belongs to a group of anti-retroviral medicines known as nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

ABAMUNE L Tablet acts by

• reducing the viral count in your body and keeps it at a low level;
• increasing your blood CD4 cell count (CD4 cells are your white blood cells which help in fighting infections in your body)

ABAMUNE L Tablet does not completely cure HIV infection

Most common side effects of ABAMUNE L Tablet are:

• Fever, lethargy and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Anorexia
• Hypersensitivity reaction

Please contact your physician immediately if you have

• Abacavir hypersensitivity: allergic reaction from two or more of these specific side effect groups:
  • group 1 - fever;
  • group 2 - rash;
  • group 3 - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain;
  • group 4 - general ill feeling, extreme tiredness, body aches;
  • group 5 - shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.
• Lipodystrophy: changes in body shape due to changes in fat distribution (fat may be lost from arms and legs and builds up over abdomen, breast or on back (buffalo hump));
• Lactic acidosis: lactic acid builds up in the body and cause internal organ failure (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, rapid difficult breathing, weakness of limbs);
• Osteonecrosis- decay and death of the bone of hips, knee and shoulder due to loss of blood supply. this occurs in people who are on long tern treatment, steroids, overweight. symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint and difficulty in walking.

This is not a comprehensive list of side effects. Consult your doctor to know more about other possible side effects.

You are advised not to take ABAMUNE L Tablet if

• it has passed the expiry date of the medicine printed on the pack.
• the foil or packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or there is discoloration.
• you have had an earlier episode of hypersensitivity reaction

Tell your doctor if

• you are allergic to ABAMUNE L Tablet or to any ingredients of this medicine.
• you have had an episode of hypersensitivity reaction with ABAMUNE L Tablet.
• you are taking Emtricitabine, high doses of Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or Cladribine.
• you are a carrier of the HLA-B*5701 allele.
• you are taking any non-prescription, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
• you ever had liver disease (hepatitis B or C infection).
• you have kidney disease.
• you have a risk of heart attack or are overweight or diabetic.
• you are pregnant or trying to conceive or are breastfeeding.

1. How should ABAMUNE L Tablet be stored?

Store ABAMUNE L Tablet below 25°C and protect it from heat and direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of reach from children.

2. Can I drive while taking ABAMUNE L Tablet?

ABAMUNE L Tablet causes drowsiness, dizziness and low blood pressure and affects the driving ability. Avoid driving if you taking ABAMUNE L Tablet.

3. Can I drink alcohol while taking ABAMUNE L Tablet?

No, it is not advisable to consume alcohol while on ABAMUNE L Tablet as it increases the risk of side effects.

4. Is ABAMUNE L Tablet addictive?

No, ABAMUNE L Tablet is not addictive. However, do not take it without consulting your doctor.