Epzicom

Epzicom is a prescription drug that is licensed for the treatment of HIV and AIDS. The medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS but can stop the HIV virus from infecting uninfected cells in the body. Epzicom comes in tablet form and is generally taken once a day. While most people tolerate the medicine well, potential side effects include insomnia, headaches, and fatigue.

 

What Is Epzicom?

Epzicom™ (abacavir/lamivudine) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It is approved for use in combination with other HIV medications as a treatment for HIV. Epzicom contains two different medications, abacavir (Ziagen®, ABC) and lamivudine (Epivir®, 3TC).
 
(Click Epzicom Uses for more information on what Epzicom is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Epzicom?

Epzicom is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Epzicom Work?

Epzicom contains two different HIV/AIDS medications (abacavir and lamivudine). Both of these medications 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;