Abacavir: it’s use and hypersensitivity

Abstract

Abacavir, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is useful in first and second line therapy as well as a substitute for Stavudine and Zidovudine for toxicity. Although safe and well tolerated, a life threatening hypersensitivity reaction can occur. The risk for developing this reaction relates to the presence of specific genotypes especially HLA-B*5701.