What it is used for
- Treating HIV infection together with other antiretroviral medicines
- For adults and children; a dispersible form is available for young children
How it is used
- Take by mouth regularly exactly as your doctor prescribed
- Do not miss doses, and do not stop even if you feel well
- Your doctor sets the dose; for children it depends on weight
Before and while using it
- Abacavir can cause a serious allergic reaction; contact your doctor at once if you get fever, rash or feel very unwell
- If you have hepatitis B, do not stop it without your doctor's advice
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: National drug formulary 2026, page 49
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.