Antiretroviral (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor — NRTI)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Abacavir/Lamivudine is a combination of two antiviral medicines that work together to reduce the amount of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) in your blood by blocking the virus from multiplying.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by mimicking nucleotides and becoming incorporated into viral DNA chains, causing premature chain termination and preventing viral replication.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet (600/300 mg) once daily. You can take it with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day so you don't forget — consistency is very important with HIV medicines.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.
Never stop taking this medicine on your own — skipping doses or stopping can make the virus resistant, meaning your HIV drugs may stop working. Always get your HIV medicines from a hospital pharmacy, government programme, or trusted pharmacy — do not buy from roadside sellers as fake HIV drugs are dangerous. Do not share this medicine with anyone, even if they also have HIV, as dosing and drug combinations must be prescribed individually.
Avoid taking with alcohol — it can increase the level of abacavir in your blood and raise the risk of side effects. Do not combine with emtricitabine (another HIV drug) as it works similarly to lamivudine and doubles the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you take methadone, as your dose may need adjustment.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Abacavir; with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks for you and your baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the container tightly closed and always out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Abacavir; Lamivudine?
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