What is "abacavir"

n. An antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV infections.

Abacavir (ABC) is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. Viral strains that are resistant to zidovudine (AZT) or lamivudine (3TC) are generally, but not always, sensitive to abacavir.

It is well tolerated: the main side effect is hypersensitivity, which can be severe, and in rare cases, fatal. Genetic testing can indicate whether an individual is likely to be hypersensitive; over 90% of people can safely take abacavir. It is of the nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) type and is in the class of carbocyclic nucleosides.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system. It is available in the combination formulations abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine, abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine, and abacavir/lamivudine. As of 2015 the cost for a typical month of medication in the United States is more than 200 USD.