Ziagen (Abacavir Oral Solution)

Use Ziagen as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take this medicine at the same time of day.
• Take with or without food.
• Keep taking Ziagen as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of this medicine during treatment.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Ziagen. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) like fast breathing, fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad upset stomach or throwing up, feeling very sleepy, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, very bad dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Low mood (depression).
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Mouth sores.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Swollen gland.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Swelling.
• Change in body fat.
• This medicine may help the immune system work. If you have an infection that you did not know you had, it may show up when you take Ziagen. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection like fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, or shortness of breath after you start this medicine.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Not hungry.
• Not able to sleep.
• Bad dreams.
• Dizziness.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Store in the original container at room temperature or in a refrigerator.
• Do not freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.