for Veterans and the Public
Trizivir (AZT + Epivir + Ziagen)
- Type of Drug: Fixed-Dose Combination
Fixed-dose combinations combine the most commonly prescribed doses of several medications into 1 pill.
Approved adult dosing
AZT 300 mg + Epivir 150 mg + Ziagen 300 mg in a single tablet
one tablet, two times a day
Morning
Trizivir
Evening
Trizivir
Notes on taking this medication
- No food restrictions, can take with or without food
- Do not take Trizivir with Zerit
- Before taking Trizivir, you should be tested to see if you are at risk of an allergic reaction to the Ziagen component. The test is a blood test for a genetic marker called HLA B5701. If you are positive for HLA B5701, or have a history of allergy to abacavir (Ziagen, Epzicom) you cannot take Trizivir.
- Persons with kidney problems may need an adjustment to their doses of the component drugs, and have to take them separately, not as one pill
Same side effects as
AZT
- Nausea; stomach discomfort; headache
- Symptoms of anemia (low red blood cell count): fatigue; shortness of breath
- More rarely: muscle wasting; neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
- Changes in body-fat distribution
Epivir
- Side effects are rare but include headaches and general sense of feeling ill
- Epivir is active against hepatitis B, and stopping it can cause "flare-up" of hepatitis B
Ziagen
- Mild nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; loss of appetite
- Rash
Caution! Ziagen can cause a serious allergic reaction that includes at least 2 of the following: fever, malaise, severe nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, and rash. Symptoms usually begin within 6 weeks of starting medication. Before taking Trizivir, you should be tested for HLA B5701.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction, call your doctor at once. If allergic, you will have to stop Trizivir and never take the Ziagen component again. Starting it again can cause serious illness or death. Make sure you tell your pharmacist if you are allergic to Ziagen.
See accompanying chart: Tips for Common Side Effects
My doctor's instructions
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to substitute for advice from your medical provider or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your medication dosing, talk to your medical provider or pharmacist.
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