Generic HIV Drug Launched by Teva

Teva has launched the generic equivalent of abacavir and lamivudine (Epzicom) tablets in the United States.

The product, available in 600 mg and 300 mg doses, is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral medicines.

When used in adjunct to antiretroviral agents, abacavir and lamivudine tablets can potentially reduce the amount of HIV-1 in patients’ blood and increase the number of CD4+ T cells in the body to fight off infections. In doing so, this product may help improve the immune system and reduce the risk of death or infection. However, Teva does not define abacavir and lamivudine tablets as a cure for HIV or AIDS.

The brand name version of the drug had annual sales of approximately $449 million in the United States for the fiscal year ending in July 2016, according to IMS.

The most common adverse reactions associated with abacavir and lamivudine tablets are hypersensitivity, insomnia, depression/depressed mood, headache or migraine, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea.

In patients who have the HLA-B*5701 allele, there is a higher risk of experiencing hypersensitivity when taking the drug. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have also been seen in those who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus, as well as HIV-1.