Trizivir Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting, headache, and diarrhea are among some of the most common side effects that have been reported with Trizivir. Side effects of Trizivir that are less common but potentially serious (and may require medical attention) include unusual bleeding or bruising, depression, and frequent infections. It is also important to know that abacavir, a component of Trizivir, can cause very serious allergic reactions.

 

Trizivir Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Trizivir® (abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Trizivir. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Trizivir side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Trizivir

Trizivir has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials. In most clinical trials, the medication is compared to a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient) in order to see if it causes more side effects. However, medications used to treat life-threatening conditions (such as HIV or AIDS) cannot be compared to a placebo, since it would be unethical to not treat people with such conditions.
 
In these clinical trials, the most common Trizivir side effects included:
 
  • Nausea -- in up to 19 percent of people
  • Headaches -- up to 13 percent
  • Fatigue and a general ill feeling (malaise) -- up to 12 percent
  • Vomiting with nausea -- up to 10 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 7 percent
  • Fever and/or chills -- up to 6 percent.
     
Other common side effects (each occurring in 5 percent of people) included:
 
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Ear, nose, or throat infections
  • Viral respiratory infections (such as the common cold).
     
(Trizivir Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;