Indications: HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs

Cautions: test for HLA-B*5701 allele before treatment or if restarting treatment and HLA-B*5701 status not known—increased risk of hypersensitivity reaction in presence of HLA-B*5701 allele; HIV load greater than 100 000 copies/ml; patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (especially if 10-year cardiovascular risk greater than 20%).

Contra-indications: Hypersensitivity: do not restart abacavir following hypersensitive reaction without regard of HLA-B-5701, may cause hypotension, death. Hepatic impairment: also avoid in moderate impairment unless essential; avoid in severe impairment.

Renal impairment: manufacturer advises avoid in end- stage renal disease; avoid if eGFR less than 50 ml/minute/1.73 m2.

Side Effects: hypersensitivity reactions.

very rarely Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis; rash and gastro-intestinal disturbances more common in children.

Dose: 600 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses.