A-Bec contains abacavir, an antiretroviral medicine used in the treatment of HIV infection. It belongs to the class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Abacavir is commonly used as part of a combination therapy to manage HIV-1 in both adults and children. It helps reduce the amount of virus in the body, supports the immune system, and lowers the risk of HIV-related complications.

Mechanism of Action:
Abacavir works by interfering with the life cycle of HIV:

• After entering the body, abacavir is converted into its active form inside infected cells.

• It targets the enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the virus uses to convert its RNA into DNA.

• Once incorporated into the viral DNA chain, abacavir causes the chain to stop growing.

• This stops the virus from multiplying and spreading further in the body.

  Uses:
  A-Bec is used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for:

  • Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults, adolescents, and children.

  • Initial therapy in newly diagnosed patients, when used in combination with other antiretrovirals.

  • Switch therapy for people already on other HIV medications, if they meet the clinical criteria.

    Adverse Effects:
    While A-Bec is effective, some people may experience side effects. These may include:

    • Headache, fatigue, or nausea, which are often mild and manageable.

    • Loss of appetite or stomach discomfort.

    • Fever, rash, or shortness of breath, which could be signs of a hypersensitivity reaction and must be reported immediately.

    • Liver changes or an increase in liver enzymes in some individuals.

    • Lactic acidosis and enlarged liver are rare but serious complications associated with nucleoside analogues.