Abacavir and Lamivudine

Clinical summary

Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Abacavir and lamivudine tablets, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, are indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Abacavir and lamivudine tablets, are combination of abacavir and lamivudine, both nucleoside analogue HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors, is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. (1) Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Before initiating abacavir and lamivudine tablets, screen for the HLA-B*5701 allele because abacavir and lamivudine tablets contain abacavir. (2.1) Adults: One tablet orally once daily. (2.2) Pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg: One tablet daily. (2.3) Because abacavir and lamivudine tablet is a fixed-dose tablet and cannot be dose adjusted, abacavir and lamivudine tablets are not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL per minute or patients with hepatic impairment. (2.4, 4) 2.1 Screening for HLA-B*5701 Allele Prior to Starting Abacavir and Lamivudine Tablets Screen for the HLA-B*5701 allele prior to initiating therapy with abacavir and lamivudine tablets [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adult Patients The recommended dosage of abacavir and lamivudine tablets for adults is one tablet taken orally once daily, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, with or without food. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Pediatric Patients The recommended oral dose of abacavir and lamivudine tablets for pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg is one tablet daily in combination with other antiretroviral agents [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Before prescribing abacavir and lamivudine tablets, pediatric patients should be assessed for the ability to swallow tablets. 2.4 Not Recommended Due to Lack of Dosage Adjustment Because abacavir and lamivudine tablet is a fixed-dose tablet and cannot be dose adjusted, abacavir and lamivudine tablets are not recommended for: patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL per minute [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . patients with mild hepatic impairment. Abacavir and lamivudine tablets are contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . Use of EPIVIR (lamivudine) oral solution or tablets and ZIAGEN (abacavir) oral solution may be considered. Warnings and cautions 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues. (5.3) Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. (5.4) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with abacavir, a component of abacavir and lamivudine. These hypersensitivity reactions have included multi-organ failure and anaphylaxis and typically occurred within the first 6 weeks of treatment with abacavir (median time to onset was 9 days); although abacavir hypersensitivity reactions have occurred any time during treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Patients who carry the HLA-B*5701 allele are at a higher risk of abacavir hypersensitivity reactions; although, patients who do not carry the HLA-B*5701 allele have developed hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity to abacavir was reported in approximately 206 (8%) of 2,670 patients in 9 clinical trials with abacavir-containing products where HLA-B*5701 screening was not performed. The incidence of suspected abacavir hypersensitivity reactions in clinical trials was 1% when subjects carrying the HLA-B*5701 allele were excluded. In any patient treated with abacavir, the clinical diagnosis of hypersensitivity reaction must remain the basis of clinical decision making. Due to the potential for severe, serious, and possibly fatal hypersensitivity reactions with abacavir: All patients should be screened for the HLA-B*5701 allele prior to initiating therapy with abacavir and lamivudine or reinitiation of therapy with abacavir and lamivudine, unless patients have a previously documented HLA-B*5701 allele assessment. Abacavir and lamivudine is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir and in HLA-B*5701-positive patients. Before starting abacavir and lamivudine, review medical history for prior exposure to any abacavir­ containing product. NEVER restart abacavir and lamivudine or any other abacavir-containing product following a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir, regardless of HLA-B*5701 status. To reduce the risk of a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, regardless of HLA-B*5701 status, discontinue abacavir and lamivudine immediately if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, even when other diagnoses are possible (e.g., acute onset respiratory disease