VIRULATE contains both abacavir and lamivudine. VIRULATE belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and is used in combination with other antiretrovirals to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age, weighing at least 40 kg.
1. What VIRULATE is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take VIRULATE
Do not take VIRULATE:
- If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to the active substances abacavir, lamivudine or any of the other ingredients in VIRULATE.
- If you have serious liver disease, VIRULATE may not be suitable for you.
- If you are below 12 years of age and or weigh less than 40 kg.
- If you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding your baby.
3. How to take VIRULATE
• Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person.
• Always take VIRULATE exactly as your doctor has instructed. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
• Take VIRULATE for as long as your doctor recommends. Do not stop unless your doctor advises you to.
• Take great care not to miss any doses if at all possible. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• The usual dose in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age, who weigh at least 40 kg, is one tablet daily.
4. Possible side effects
VIRULATE can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for VIRULATE are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking VIRULATE, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice.
If any of the following happens, stop taking VIRULATE and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
- A serious allergic reaction known as a hypersensitivity reaction, see ‘Hypersensitivity reaction’ in ‘Take special care with VIRULATE’. It is important that you read and understand the information about this serious reaction.
- Hives; swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to VIRULATE. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalization.
5. How to store VIRULATE
Store at or below 30 °C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep in original packaging until required for use. Keep the container tightly closed and in the carton until required for use. Keep blisters in the carton until required for use. Store all medicines out of the reach of children. Do not take the medicine after the expiry date stated on the bottle or blister and carton. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).