WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with abacavir, a component of
TRIZIVIR. These hypersensitivity reactions have included multi-organ failure and anaphylaxis and
typically occurred within the first 6 weeks of treatment with abacavir (median time to onset was 9 days);
although abacavir hypersensitivity reactions have occurred any time during treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients who carry the HLA B*5701 allele are at a higher risk of abacavir
hypersensitivity reactions; although, patients who do not carry the HLA B*5701 allele have developed
hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity to abacavir was reported in approximately 206 (8%) of
2,670 patients in 9 clinical trials with abacavir-containing products where HLA B*5701 screening was
not performed. The incidence of suspected abacavir hypersensitivity reactions in clinical trials was 1%
when subjects carrying the HLA B*5701 allele were excluded. In any patient treated with abacavir, the
clinical diagnosis of hypersensitivity reaction must remain the basis of clinical decision making.
Due to the potential for severe, serious, and possibly fatal hypersensitivity reactions with abacavir:
- All patients should be screened for the HLA B*5701 allele prior to initiating therapy with
TRIZIVIR or reinitiation of therapy with TRIZIVIR, unless patients have a previously documented
HLA B*5701 allele assessment.
- TRIZIVIR is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir and in
HLA B*5701-positive patients.
- Before starting TRIZIVIR, review medical history for prior exposure to any abacavir-containing
product. NEVER restart TRIZIVIR or any other abacavircontaining product following a
hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir, regardless of HLA B*5701 status.
- To reduce the risk of a lifethreatening hypersensitivity reaction, regardless of HLA B*5701
status, discontinue TRIZIVIR immediately if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, even when
other diagnoses are possible (e.g., acute onset respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis,
pharyngitis, or influenza; gastroenteritis; or reactions to other medications).
- If a hypersensitivity reaction cannot be ruled out, do not restart TRIZIVIR or any other
abacavircontaining products because more severe symptoms, which may include lifethreatening
hypotension and death, can occur within hours.
- If a hypersensitivity reaction is ruled out, patients may restart TRIZIVIR. Rarely, patients who
have stopped abacavir for reasons other than symptoms of hypersensitivity have also experienced
life-threatening reactions within hours of reinitiating abacavir therapy. Therefore, reintroduction
of TRIZIVIR or any other abacavir-containing product is recommended only if medical care can
be readily accessed.
- A Medication Guide and Warning Card that provide information about recognition of abacavir
hypersensitivity reactions should be dispensed with each new prescription and refill.
Hematologic Toxicity/Bone Marrow Suppression
Zidovudine, a component of TRIZIVIR, has been associated with hematologic toxicity including
neutropenia and anemia, particularly in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease. TRIZIVIR should be used
with caution in patients who have bone marrow compromise evidenced by granulocyte count less than
1,000 cells per mm3 or hemoglobin less than 9.5 grams per dL [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Frequent blood counts are strongly recommended in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease who are
treated with TRIZIVIR. Periodic blood counts are recommended for other HIV-1-infected patients. If
anemia or neutropenia develops, dosage interruption may be needed.
Myopathy
Myopathy and myositis, with pathological changes similar to that produced by HIV-1 disease, have been
associated with prolonged use of zidovudine, and therefore may occur with therapy with TRIZIVIR.
Lactic Acidosis And Severe Hepatomegaly With Steatosis
Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with
the use of nucleoside analogues, including abacavir, lamivudine and zidovudine (components of
TRIZIVIR). A majority of these cases have been in women. Female sex and obesity may be risk factors
for the development of lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis in patients treated with
antiretroviral nucleoside analogues. See full prescribing information for ZIAGEN (abacavir), EPIVIR
(lamivudine), and RETROVIR (zidovudine). Treatment with TRIZIVIR should be suspended in any
patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced
hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked
transaminase elevations).
Patients With Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection
Posttreatment Exacerbations Of Hepatitis
Clinical and laboratory evidence of exacerbations of hepatitis have occurred after discontinuation of
lamivudine. See full prescribing information for EPIVIR (lamivudine). Patients should be closely
monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping
treatment.
Emergence Of Lamivudine-Resistant HBV
Safety and efficacy of lamivudine have not been established for treatment of chronic hepatitis B in
subjects dually infected with HIV-1 and HBV. Emergence of hepatitis B virus variants associated with
resistance to lamivudine has been reported in HIV-1-infected subjects who have received lamivudinecontaining
antiretroviral regimens in the presence of concurrent infection with hepatitis B virus. See
full prescribing information for EPIVIR (lamivudine).
Use With Interferon- And Ribavirin-Based Regimens
Patients receiving interferon alfa with or without ribavirin and TRIZIVIR should be closely monitored
for treatment-associated toxicities, especially hepatic decompensation, neutropenia, and anemia. See full
prescribing information for EPIVIR (lamivudine) and RETROVIR (zidovudine). Discontinuation of
TRIZIVIR should be considered as medically appropriate. Dose reduction or discontinuation of
interferon alfa, ribavirin, or both should also be considered if worsening clinical toxicities are
observed, including hepatic decompensation (e.g., Child-Pugh greater than 6) (see full prescribing
information for interferon and ribavirin).
Exacerbation of anemia has been reported in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving ribavirin and
zidovudine. Coadministration of ribavirin and TRIZIVIR is not advised.
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral
therapy, including TRIZIVIR. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients
whose immune systems respond may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual
opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis
jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also
been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more
variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.
Lipoatrophy
Treatment with zidovudine, a component of TRIZIVIR, has been associated with loss of subcutaneous
fat. The incidence and severity of lipoatrophy are related to cumulative exposure. This fat loss, which
is most evident in the face, limbs, and buttocks, may be only partially reversible and improvement may
take months to years after switching to a non-zidovudine-containing regimen. Patients should be
regularly assessed for signs of lipoatrophy during therapy with zidovudine-containing products, and if
feasible, therapy should be switched to an alternative regimen if there is suspicion of lipoatrophy.
Myocardial Infarction
Several prospective, observational, epidemiological studies have reported an association with the use
of abacavir and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Meta-analyses of randomized, controlled clinical
trials have observed no excess risk of MI in abacavir-treated subjects as compared with control
subjects. To date, there is no established biological mechanism to explain a potential increase in risk. In
totality, the available data from the observational studies and from controlled clinical trials show
inconsistency; therefore, evidence for a causal relationship between abacavir treatment and the risk of
MI is inconclusive.
As a precaution, the underlying risk of coronary heart disease should be considered when prescribing
antiretroviral therapies, including abacavir, and action taken to minimize all modifiable risk factors (e.g.,
hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).
Therapy-Experienced Patients
In clinical trials, subjects with prolonged prior nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
exposure or who had HIV-1 isolates that contained multiple mutations conferring resistance to NRTIs
had limited response to abacavir. The potential for cross-resistance between abacavir and other NRTIs
should be considered when choosing new therapeutic regimens in therapy-experienced patients [see
Microbiology].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Hypersensitivity Reaction
Inform patients:
- that a Medication Guide and Warning Card summarizing the symptoms of the abacavir
hypersensitivity reaction and other product information will be dispensed by the pharmacist with
each new prescription and refill of TRIZIVIR, and instruct the patient to read the Medication
Guide and Warning Card every time to obtain any new information that may be present about
TRIZIVIR. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
- to carry the Warning Card with them.
- how to identify a hypersensitivity reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, PATIENT INFORMATION].
- that if they develop symptoms consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction they should call their
healthcare provider right away to determine if they should stop taking TRIZIVIR.
- that a hypersensitivity reaction can worsen and lead to hospitalization or death if TRIZIVIR is not
immediately discontinued.
- to not restart TRIZIVIR or any other abacavir containing product following a hypersensitivity
reaction because more severe symptoms can occur within hours and may include life threatening
hypotension and death.
- that if they have a hypersensitivity reaction, they should dispose of any unused TRIZIVIR to avoid
restarting abacavir.
- that a hypersensitivity reaction is usually reversible if it is detected promptly and TRIZIVIR is
stopped right away.
- that if they have interrupted TRIZIVIR for reasons other than symptoms of hypersensitivity (for example, those who have an interruption in drug supply), a serious or fatal hypersensitivity reaction may occur with reintroduction of abacavir.
- to not restart TRIZIVIR or any other abacavir containing product without medical consultation and
only if medical care can be readily accessed by the patient or others.
Neutropenia And Anemia
Inform patients that the important toxicities associated with zidovudine are neutropenia and/or anemia.
Inform them of the extreme importance of having their blood counts followed closely while on therapy,
especially for patients with advanced HIV1 disease [see BOX WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
].
Myopathy
Inform patients that myopathy and myositis with pathological changes, similar to that produced by HIV1
disease, have been associated with prolonged use of zidovudine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Lactic Acidosis/Hepatomegaly With Steatosis
Advise patients that lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis have been reported with use
of nucleoside analogues and other antiretrovirals. Advise patients to stop taking TRIZIVIR if they
develop clinical symptoms suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Patients With Hepatitis B Or C Co-Infection
Advise patients co-infected with HIV1 and HBV that worsening of liver disease has occurred in some
cases when treatment with lamivudine was discontinued. Advise patients to discuss any changes in
regimen with their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients with HIV1/HCV co-infection that hepatic decompensation (some fatal) has occurred in
HIV1/HCV co-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV1 and interferon
alfa with or without ribavirin [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Drug Interactions
Advise patients that other medications may interact with TRIZIVIR and certain medications, including
ganciclovir, interferon alfa, and ribavirin, may exacerbate the toxicity of zidovudine, a component of
TRIZIVIR [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately of any signs and symptoms of infection
as inflammation from previous infection may occur soon after combination antiretroviral therapy,
including when TRIZIVIR is started [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Lipoatrophy
Advise patients that loss of subcutaneous fat may occur in patients receiving TRIZIVIR and that they
will be regularly assessed during therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women
exposed to TRIZIVIR during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Instruct women with HIV-1 infection not to breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the
breast milk [see Use In Specific Populations].
Missed Dose
Instruct patients that if they miss a dose of TRIZIVIR, to take it as soon as they remember. Advise
patients not to double their next dose or take more than the prescribed dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Availability Of Medication Guide
Instruct patients to read the Medication Guide before starting TRIZIVIR and to re-read it each time the
prescription is renewed. Instruct patients to inform their physician or pharmacist if they develop any
unusual symptom, or if any known symptom persists or worsens.
COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, RETROVIR, TRIZIVIR, and ZIAGEN are trademarks owned by or licensed to the
ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
Other brands listed are trademarks owned by or licensed to their respective owners and are not
trademarks owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. The makers of these
brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse the ViiV Healthcare group of companies or its
products.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenicity
Abacavir
Abacavir was administered orally at 3 dosage levels to separate groups of mice and rats in
2 year carcinogenicity studies. Results showed an increase in the incidence of malignant and
nonmalignant tumors. Malignant tumors occurred in the preputial gland of males and the clitoral gland
of females of both species, and in the liver of female rats. In addition, non malignant tumors also
occurred in the liver and thyroid gland of female rats. These observations were made at systemic
exposures in the range of 6 to 32 times the human exposure at the recommended dose of 600 mg.
Lamivudine
Long term carcinogenicity studies with lamivudine in mice and rats showed no evidence of
carcinogenic potential at exposures up to 10 times (mice) and 58 times (rats) the human exposures at the
recommended dose of 300 mg.
Zidovudine
Zidovudine was administered orally at 3 dosage levels to separate groups of mice and rats
(60 females and 60 males in each group). Initial single daily doses were 30, 60, and 120 mg per kg per
day in mice and 80, 220, and 600 mg per kg per day in rats. The doses in mice were reduced to 20, 30,
and 40 mg per kg per day after Day 90 because of treatment related anemia, whereas in rats only the
high dose was reduced to 450 mg per kg per day on Day 91 and then to 300 mg per kg per day on
Day 279.
In mice, 7 late appearing (after 19 months) vaginal neoplasms (5 non-metastasizing squamous cell
carcinomas, 1 squamous cell papilloma, and 1 squamous polyp) occurred in animals given the highest
dose. One late appearing squamous cell papilloma occurred in the vagina of a middle-dose animal. No
vaginal tumors were found at the lowest dose.
In rats, 2 late appearing (after 20 months), non-metastasizing vaginal squamous cell carcinomas occurred
in animals given the highest dose. No vaginal tumors occurred at the low or middle dose in rats. No
other drugrelated tumors were observed in either sex of either species.
At doses that produced tumors in mice and rats, the estimated drug exposure (as measured by AUC) was
approximately 3 times (mouse) and 24 times (rat) the estimated human exposure at the recommended
therapeutic dose of 100 mg every 4 hours.
It is not known how predictive the results of rodent carcinogenicity studies may be for humans.
Two transplacental carcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice. One study administered zidovudine
at doses of 20 mg per kg per day or 40 mg per kg per day from gestation Day 10 through parturition and
lactation with dosing continuing in offspring for 24 months postnatally. At these doses, exposures were
approximately 3 times the estimated human exposure at the recommended doses. After 24 months at the
40mg-per-kg-per-day dose, an increase in incidence of vaginal tumors was noted with no increase in
tumors in the liver or lung or any other organ in either gender. These findings are consistent with
results of the standard oral carcinogenicity study in mice, as described earlier. A second study
administered zidovudine at maximum tolerated doses of 12.5 mg per day or 25 mg per day
(approximately 1,000 mg per kg nonpregnant body weight or approximately 450 mg per kg of term body
weight) to pregnant mice from Days 12 through 18 of gestation. There was an increase in the number of
tumors in the lung, liver, and female reproductive tracts in the offspring of mice receiving the higher
dose level of zidovudine.
Mutagenicity
Abacavir
Abacavir induced chromosomal aberrations both in the presence and absence of metabolic
activation in an in vitro cytogenetic study in human lymphocytes. Abacavir was mutagenic in the absence
of metabolic activation, although it was not mutagenic in the presence of metabolic activation in an
L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay. Abacavir was clastogenic in males and not clastogenic in females in an
in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay. Abacavir was not mutagenic in bacterial mutagenicity
assays in the presence and absence of metabolic activation.
Lamivudine
Lamivudine was mutagenic in an L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay and clastogenic in a
cytogenetic assay using cultured human lymphocytes. Lamivudine was not mutagenic in a microbial
mutagenicity assay, in an in vitro cell transformation assay, in a rat micronucleus test, in a rat bone
marrow cytogenetic assay, and in an assay for unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat liver.
Zidovudine
Zidovudine was mutagenic in an L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay, positive in an in vitro cell
transformation assay, clastogenic in a cytogenetic assay using cultured human lymphocytes, and positive
in mouse and rat micronucleus tests after repeated doses. It was negative in a cytogenetic study in rats
given a single dose.
Impairment Of Fertility
Abacavir
Abacavir did not affect male or female fertility in rats at a dose associated with exposures
(AUC) approximately 3.3 times (male) or 4.1 times (female) those in humans at the clinically
recommended dose.
Lamivudine
Lamivudine did not affect male or female fertility in rats at doses up to 4,000 mg per kg per
day, associated with concentrations approximately 42 times (male) or 63 times (female) higher than the
concentrations (Cmax ) in humans at the dose of 300 mg.
Zidovudine
Zidovudine, administered to male and female rats at doses up to 450 mg per kg per day,
which is 7 times the recommended adult dose (300 mg twice daily) based on body surface area, had no
effect on fertility based on conception rates.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to
TRIZIVIR during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the
Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.
Risk Summary
Available data from the APR show no difference in the overall risk of birth defects for abacavir,
lamivudine, or zidovudine compared with the background rate for birth defects of 2.7% in the
Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) reference population (see Data). The APR
uses the MACDP as the U.S. reference population for birth defects in the general population. The
MACDP evaluates women and infants from a limited geographic area and does not include outcomes for
births that occurred at less than 20 weeks’ gestation. The rate of miscarriage is not reported in the APR.
The estimated background rate of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general
population is 15% to 20%. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the
indicated population is unknown.
In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of abacavir to pregnant rats during organogenesis
resulted in fetal malformations and other embryonic and fetal toxicities at exposures 35 times the human
exposure (AUC) at the recommended clinical daily dose. However, no adverse developmental effects
were observed following oral administration of abacavir to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis, at
exposures approximately 9 times the human exposure (AUC) at the recommended clinical dose. Oral
administration of lamivudine to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in embryolethality at
systemic exposure (AUC) similar to the recommended clinical dose; however, no adverse development
effects were observed with oral administration of lamivudine to pregnant rats during organogenesis at
plasma concentrations (Cmax ) 35 times the recommended clinical dose. Administration of oral
zidovudine to female rats prior to mating and throughout gestation resulted in embryotoxicity at doses
that produced systemic exposure (AUC) approximately 33 times higher than exposure at the
recommended clinical dose. However, no embryotoxicity was observed after oral administration of
zidovudine to pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses that produced systemic exposure (AUC)
approximately 117 times higher than exposures at the recommended clinical dose. Administration of
oral zidovudine to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in embryotoxicity at doses that
produced systemic exposure (AUC) approximately 108 times higher than exposure at the recommended
clinical dose. However, no embryotoxicity was observed at doses that produced systemic exposure
(AUC) approximately 23 times higher than exposures at the recommended clinical dose (see Data).
Data
Human Data
Abacavir: Based on prospective reports to the APR of over 2,000 exposures to abacavir
during pregnancy resulting in live births (including over 1,000 exposed in the first trimester), there was
no difference between the overall risk of birth defects for abacavir compared with the background birth
defect rate of 2.7% in a U.S. reference population of the MACDP. The prevalence of defects in live
births was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.0% to 4.1%) following first trimester exposure to abacavir-containing
regimens and 2.7% (95% CI: 1.9% to 3.7%) following second/third trimester exposure to abacavircontaining
regimens.
Abacavir has been shown to cross the placenta and concentrations in neonatal plasma at birth were
essentially equal to those in maternal plasma at delivery [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Lamivudine: Based on prospective reports to the APR of over 11,000 exposures to lamivudine during
pregnancy resulting in live births (including over 4,500 exposed in the first trimester), there was no
difference between the overall risk of birth defects for lamivudine compared with the background birth
defect rate of 2.7% in a U.S. reference population of the MACDP. The prevalence of birth defects in
live births was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.6% to 3.6%) following first trimester exposure to lamivudinecontaining
regimens and 2.8% (95% CI: 2.5% to 3.3%) following second/third trimester exposure to
lamivudine-containing regimens.
Lamivudine pharmacokinetics were studied in pregnant women during 2 clinical trials conducted in
South Africa. The trials assessed pharmacokinetics in 16 women at 36 weeks’ gestation using 150 mg
lamivudine twice daily with zidovudine, 10 women at 38 weeks’ gestation using 150 mg lamivudine
twice daily with zidovudine, and 10 women at 38 weeks’ gestation using lamivudine 300 mg twice daily
without other antiretrovirals. These trials were not designed or powered to provide efficacy
information. Lamivudine concentrations were generally similar in maternal, neonatal, and umbilical cord
serum samples. In a subset of subjects, amniotic fluid specimens were collected following natural
rupture of membranes and confirmed that lamivudine crosses the placenta in humans. Based on limited
data at delivery, median (range) amniotic fluid concentrations of lamivudine were 3.9 (1.2 to 12.8) - fold
greater compared with paired maternal serum concentration (n = 8).
Zidovudine: Based on prospective reports to the APR of over 13,000 exposures to zidovudine during
pregnancy resulting in live births (including over 4,000 exposed in the first trimester), there was no
difference between the overall risk of birth defects for zidovudine compared with the background birth
defect rate of 2.7% in a U.S. reference population of the MACDP. The prevalence of birth defects in
live births was 3.2% (95% CI: 2.7% to 3.8%) following first trimester exposure to zidovudinecontaining
regimens and 2.8% (95% CI: 2.5% to 3.2%) following second/third trimester exposure to
zidovudine-containing regimens.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in HIV-1-infected pregnant women
to determine the utility of zidovudine for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission.
Zidovudine treatment during pregnancy reduced the rate of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission from
24.9% for infants born to placebo-treated mothers to 7.8% for infants born to mothers treated with
zidovudine. There were no differences in pregnancy-related adverse events between the treatment
groups. Of the 363 neonates that were evaluated, congenital abnormalities occurred with similar
frequency between neonates born to mothers who received zidovudine and neonates born to mothers
who received placebo. The observed abnormalities included problems in embryogenesis (prior to 14
weeks) or were recognized on ultrasound before or immediately after initiation of trial drug. See full
prescribing information for RETROVIR (zidovudine) and COMBIVIR (lamivudine and zidovudine).
Zidovudine has been shown to cross the placenta and concentrations in neonatal plasma at birth were
essentially equal to those in maternal plasma at delivery [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Animal Data
Abacavir: Abacavir was administered orally to pregnant rats (at 100, 300, and 1,000 mg
per kg per day) and rabbits (at 125, 350, or 700 mg per kg per day) during organogenesis (on gestation
Days 6 through 17 and 6 through 20, respectively). Fetal malformations (increased incidences of fetal
anasarca and skeletal malformations) or developmental toxicity (decreased fetal body weight and
crownrump length) were observed in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg per kg per day, resulting in
exposures approximately 35 times the human exposure (AUC) at the recommended daily dose. No
developmental effects were observed in rats at 100 mg per kg per day, resulting in exposures (AUC)
3.5 times the human exposure at the recommended daily dose. In a fertility and early embryo-fetal
development study conducted in rats (at 60, 160, or 500 mg per kg per day), embryonic and fetal
toxicities (increased resorptions, decreased fetal body weights) or toxicities to the offspring
(increased incidence of stillbirth and lower body weights) occurred at doses up to 500 mg per kg per
day. No developmental effects were observed in rats at 60 mg per kg per day, resulting in exposures
(AUC) approximately 4 times the human exposure at the recommended daily dose. Studies in pregnant
rats showed that abacavir is transferred to the fetus through the placenta. In pregnant rabbits, no
developmental toxicities and no increases in fetal malformations occurred at up to the highest dose
evaluated, resulting in exposures (AUC) approximately 9 times the human exposure at the recommended
dose.
Lamivudine: Lamivudine was administered orally to pregnant rats (at 90, 600, and 4,000 mg per kg per
day) and rabbits (at 90, 300, and 1,000 mg per kg per day and at 15, 40, and 90 mg per kg per day) during
organogenesis (on gestation Days 7 through 16 [rat] and 8 through 20 [rabbit]). No evidence of fetal
malformations due to lamivudine was observed in rats and rabbits at doses producing plasma
concentrations (Cmax ) approximately 35 times higher than human exposure at the recommended daily
dose. Evidence of early embryolethality was seen in the rabbit at systemic exposures (AUC) similar to
those observed in humans, but there was no indication of this effect in the rat at plasma concentrations
(Cmax ) 35 times higher than human exposure at the recommended daily dose. Studies in pregnant rats
showed that lamivudine is transferred to the fetus through the placenta. In the fertility/pre-and postnatal
development study in rats, lamivudine was administered orally at doses of 180, 900, and 4,000 mg per
kg per day (from prior to mating through postnatal Day 20). In the study, development of the offspring,
including fertility and reproductive performance, was not affected by maternal administration of
lamivudine.
Zidovudine: A study in pregnant rats (at 50, 150, or 450 mg per kg per day starting 26 days prior to
mating through gestation to postnatal Day 21) showed increased fetal resorptions at doses that produced
systemic exposures (AUC) approximately 33 times higher than exposure at the recommended daily
human dose (300 mg twice daily). However, in an oral embryo-fetal development study in rats (at 125,
250, or 500 mg per kg per day on gestation Days 6 through 15), no fetal resorptions were observed at
doses that produced systemic exposure (AUC) approximately 117 times higher than exposures at the
recommended daily human dose. An oral embryo-fetal development study in rabbits (at 75, 150, or 500
mg per kg per day on gestation Days 6 through 18) showed increased fetal resorptions at the 500-mgper-
kg-per-day dose which produced systemic exposures (AUC) approximately 108 times higher than
exposure at the recommended daily human dose; however, no fetal resorptions were noted at doses up
to 150 mg per kg per day, which produced systemic exposure (AUC) approximately 23 times higher
than exposures at the recommended daily human dose. These oral embryo-fetal development studies in
the rat and rabbit revealed no evidence of fetal malformations with zidovudine. In another developmental
toxicity study, pregnant rats (dosed at 3,000 mg per kg per day from Days 6 through 15 of gestation)
showed marked maternal toxicity and an increased incidence of fetal malformations at exposures greater
than 300 times the recommended daily human dose based on AUC. However, there were no signs of
fetal malformations at doses up to 600 mg per kg per day.
Lactation
Risk Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV 1-infected mothers in the United
States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection. Abacavir,
lamivudine and zidovudine are present in human milk. There is no information on the effects of abacavir,
lamivudine and zidovudine on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. Because
of the potential for (1) HIV 1 transmission (in HIV-negative infants), (2) developing viral resistance (in
HIV-positive infants), and (3) adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, instruct mothers not to breastfeed if
they are receiving TRIZIVIR.
Pediatric Use
TRIZIVIR is not recommended in children who weigh less than 40 kg because it is a fixed dose tablet
that cannot be adjusted for these patient populations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Therapy-Experienced Pediatric Trial
A randomized, double-blind trial, CNA3006, compared ZIAGEN plus lamivudine and zidovudine versus
lamivudine and zidovudine in pediatric subjects, most of whom were extensively pretreated with
nucleoside analogue antiretroviral agents. Subjects in this trial had a limited response to abacavir.
Geriatric Use
Clinical trials of abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects
aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general,
caution should be exercised in the administration of TRIZIVIR in elderly patients reflecting the greater
frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug
therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Patients With Impaired Renal Function
TRIZIVIR is not recommended for patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL per min because
TRIZIVIR is a fixeddose combination and the dosage of the individual components cannot be adjusted.
If a dose reduction of the lamivudine or zidovudine components of TRIZIVIR is required for patients
with renal impairment then the individual components should be used [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Patients With Impaired Hepatic Function
TRIZIVIR is a fixed dose combination and the dosage of the individual components cannot be adjusted.
If a dose reduction of abacavir, a component of TRIZIVIR, is required for patients with mild hepatic
impairment (Child-Pugh Class A), then the individual components should be used [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic properties of abacavir have not been established in patients
with moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) or severe (Child-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment; therefore,
TRIZIVIR is contraindicated in these patients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Zidovudine is primarily eliminated by hepatic metabolism and zidovudine concentrations are increased in
patients with impaired hepatic function, which may increase the risk of hematologic toxicity. Frequent
monitoring of hematologic toxicities is advised.