Abacavir – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, August 07, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Abacavir (Ziagen) is an antiviral drug used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It helps decrease the amount of HIV in the blood.

While the drug can’t cure HIV, it can help decrease the risk of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses like cancer or severe infections.

Known health risks or side effects of Abacavir

Abacavir can cause an allergic reaction from two or more of these specific side effect groups:

Group 1 – Fever
Group 2 – Rash
Group 3 – Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting
Group 4 – Body aches, extreme tiredness, and general ill feeling
Group 5 – A cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat

The drug can also cause less serious side effects such as:

Changes in the shape or location of body fat (specifically, the arms, breasts, face, legs, and torso)
Cold symptoms (e.g., sinus pain, sneezing, or stuffy nose)
Ear pain or a headache
Strange dreams

List of organs that might be affected by Abacavir

Abacavir may cause the following complications:

Liver failure
Metabolic disturbance (lactic acidosis) – The buildup of lactate in the body.
Pancreatitis – The inflammation of the pancreas.
Severe allergic reactions

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Abacavir

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Abacavir:

Almonds – Almond contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can help release serotonin, the “feel-good” brain chemical. The nuts are also rich in magnesium, which can relax the muscles and blood vessels. Physical pain and mental stress may also cause tension headaches, which can be addressed by consuming extra magnesium. While nuts can trigger migraines in some patients, almonds are a common non-drug remedy for tension-type headaches because they contain salicin, a common agent used in various over-the-counter painkillers.
Bananas – Bananas can help relieve headaches since they are also rich in magnesium.
Potatoes – The skin of a large potato, which is also full of potassium, can help ease headaches.

Treatments, management options for the side effects of Abacavir

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent the side effects associated with Abacavir:

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – A teaspoon of ACV can help neutralize an upset stomach. You can also dilute a tablespoon of ACV in a cup of water with a teaspoon of honey. Acids in ACV can help decrease starch digestion. This lets the starch reach the intestines and keep gut bacteria healthy.
Chamomile tea – Chamomile tea can help soothe an upset stomach because it’s also an anti-inflammatory. The tea can help the stomach muscles relax, which will reduce the pain caused by cramping and spasms.
Ginger – Ginger can help treat stomach pain and nausea. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint – If you are suffering from nausea or an upset stomach, drink peppermint tea. Peppermint leaves contain menthol, a natural analgesic/pain reliever.

Where to learn more

Summary

Abacavir is used to treat HIV infection.

Abacavir can cause an allergic reaction ranging from rash, fever, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, body aches, extreme tiredness, to shortness of breath and sore throat.

Abacavir may cause complications like liver failure, metabolic disturbance, pancreatitis, and severe allergic reactions.

Almonds, bananas, and potatoes have similar effects to Abacavir.

Apple cider vinegar, chamomile tea, ginger, and peppermint can help prevent the side effects associated with Abacavir.