Ziagen Side Effects

If you are taking Ziagen, side effects are possible. Nausea, headaches, and fatigue are among the most commonly reported side effects of Ziagen. However, it is difficult to determine if these side effects are due to Ziagen or other factors, because no clinical studies have been done on Ziagen by itself. You should notify your healthcare provider right away if you experience more serious Ziagen side effects, such as depression, unusual bleeding or bruising, or signs of an allergic reaction.

 

Ziagen Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Ziagen® (abacavir sulfate). 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 are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Ziagen. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Ziagen side effects with you.)
 

Common Ziagen Side Effects

Clinical studies have not evaluated Ziagen by itself for the treatment of HIV, as Ziagen is meant to be used in conjunction with other HIV medications. In fact, the available information on the side effects of Ziagen involves studies that used Ziagen plus two other HIV medications. Therefore, it is difficult to know if these side effects are due to Ziagen or the other HIV medications. Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Ziagen (plus two other HIV medications) 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
  • Sleep disorders (such as insomnia or nightmares) -- up to 10 percent.
     
Other common side effects (occurring in 5 to 9 percent of people) included:
 
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever or chills
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Ear, nose, or throat infections
  • Viral respiratory infections (such as the common cold)
  • Dizziness.
     
(Ziagen 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;