What is Ziagen ?
Ziagen belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors which are used to treat HIV infection. In order to treat HIV effectively, Ziagen MUST be taken in combination with other HIV medications as prescribed.

How does Ziagen work ?
Ziagen interferes with a very important HIV specific enzyme and impairs the HIV viruses ability to replicate. Ziagen, like all nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, interferes with a different HIV enzyme then the protease inhibitors. When Ziagen is taken in combination with other HIV medications the goal is to prevent the virus from further weakening the immune system. If Ziagen is effective then you should expect to see an increase in T-cells (CD4 immune cells) and decrease in HIV viral load. Not everybody responds to Ziagen, however you can improve the chance that Ziagen will work by taking all your medications everyday.

What are the potential side effects of Ziagen ?
Ziagen can cause a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction in up to 5% of the people who take this medication. The symptoms of this reaction are described as if suffering from a "flu-like" illness. Therefore, if you experience fever, nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, muscle or joint pain, diarrhea, rash, or respiratory symptoms such as cough or sore throat then contact your medical provider as soon as possible. It is very important that you talk to your medical provider before stopping Ziagen. If the decision is made to stop Ziagen then the hypersensitivity symptoms typically resolve in 48 hours. If a person has been diagnosed with having a hypersensitivity reaction to Ziagen then they can NEVER take Ziagen again. The Ziagen hypersensitivity reaction is most likely to occur within the first 4-6 weeks after starting Ziagen.

How should Ziagen be taken ?
Ziagen can be taken with or without food. Ziagen is taken 600mg once a day or 300mg twice a day.

What does Ziagen look like ?
Ziagen is a gold colored 300 mg tablet that has printed on one side GX 623.