title: Abacavir hypersensitivity reaction.
abstract: A hypersensitivity reaction occurs in association with initiation of abacavir therapy as part of combination antiretroviral therapy in approximately 3.7% of patients. The reaction is possibly the result of a combination of altered drug metabolism and immune dysfunction, which is poorly understood. White patients appear to be at higher risk and patients of African descent at lower risk of abacavir hypersensitivity. Clinical management involves supportive measures and discontinuation of abacavir therapy. Rechallenge with abacavir in a hypersensitive patient should be avoided because it might precipitate a life-threatening reaction.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medicine and Pharmacy Practice, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14215, USA. rhewitt@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Ross G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hewitt
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000075202:Contraindications; D015224:Dideoxynucleosides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D000099227:Abacavir
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015224:Dideoxynucleosides; D000099227:Abacavir