Epzicom contains two different
HIV/
AIDS medications (
abacavir and
lamivudine). Both of these belong to a group of HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These medicines work by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different from other viruses because it must first convert its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is the DNA genes that allow HIV to multiply.
HIV converts its genetic material by using a special protein called the reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA, this enzyme uses several different protein building blocks.
Epzicom works by tricking reverse transcriptase into thinking it is one of these protein building blocks. However, it is just different enough that when used to create DNA, Epzicom actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply.
Epzicom is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It can help stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, but it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.
Epzicom is not approved for use in children. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Epzicom in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Epzicom for treating something other than HIV infection and AIDS. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, Epzicom is used off-label to prevent HIV infection in people exposed to the HIV virus (such as a healthcare worker who comes in contact with a contaminated needle stick). This is called postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
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