Abacavir: Its use and hypersensitivity

Abstract

Abacavir, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is useful in first- and second-line HIV therapy and as a substitute for stavudine and zidovudine when toxicity is a problem. Although it is 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.