Does Abacavir Lamivudine And Zidovudine Interact with Methadone?
Abacavir Lamivudine And Zidovudine and Methadone have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Oral methadone clearance may increase with abacavir; increased methadone dose may be required in some patients. The mechanism involves increased methadone clearance. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Abacavir Lamivudine And Zidovudine Class
- Hepatitis B Virus Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Abacavir Lamivudine And Zidovudine and Methadone occurs because increased methadone clearance. Clinically, this means oral methadone clearance may increase with abacavir; increased methadone dose may be required in some patients. This is classified as a moderate interaction. While it may not require stopping either medication, your healthcare provider should be aware you are taking both so they can monitor for potential effects and adjust treatment if necessary.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Abacavir Lamivudine And Zidovudine and your doctor is considering prescribing Methadone (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider