Abacavir / Lamivudine
Abacavir/Lamivudine is a combination antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV-1 infection. It contains two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that work together to suppress viral replication when used as part of a comprehensive antiretroviral regimen. This medication is typically prescribed for adults and children weighing at least 25 kg.
A two-drug antiretroviral combination tablet used once daily as part of HIV treatment regimens.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 614534
- Generic
- Abacavir / Lamivudine
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- Epzicom
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 600mg/300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- weight-based dosing
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- varies by weight
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 600mg/300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits significantly outweigh potential fetal risks; consider alternative antiretroviral therapy
regular prenatal monitoring, fetal ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimestercontinue if already receiving, evaluate necessity
may continue therapy if already established; new initiations should weigh risks versus benefits
routine prenatal care, viral load monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestercontinue therapy, do not discontinue
continue therapy to maintain viral suppression and reduce mother-to-child transmission risk
HIV viral load monitoring, CD4 count, obstetric monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed to prevent HIV transmission regardless of antiretroviral therapy; both abacavir and lamivudine are excreted in breast milk
infant HIV testing if breastfeeding occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment recommended, monitor closely
use with caution due to limited clinical experience in patients over 65 years; assess renal and hepatic function
renal function, hepatic function, cardiovascular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatricnot approved for pediatric use
fixed-dose combination not recommended for pediatric patients; use individual components with appropriate weight-based dosing
weight-based dosing, monitoring for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
renal impairment milddose adjustment required for lamivudine component
not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min; use individual components with adjusted dosing
renal function monitoring (creatinine clearance)
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal impairment severecontraindicated
avoid fixed-dose combination in severe renal impairment; use individual components with significant dose reduction
frequent renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Abacavir/Lamivudine combination (Epzicom)
Drug class
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor combination drug
Common uses
Used in combination with other antiretrovirals for HIV management
Mechanism of action
Both abacavir and lamivudine are nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Not indicated for HIV-2 infection.
Both abacavir and lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that compete with natural nucleotides, blocking the activity of HIV reverse transcriptase and preventing the conversion of viral RNA to DNA, thereby inhibiting viral replication.
Requires HLA-B*5701 testing before initiation due to risk of severe hypersensitivity reaction. Should be discontinued immediately if hypersensitivity is suspected. Not recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. May cause lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly with steatosis. Once-daily dosing improves adherence.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy