Test for Abacavir Allergy

posted: 14/01/2009

Northern Europeans, among others, may have a genetic allergy to Abacavir. This can cause a strong and possibly dangerous allergic reaction. There is now a test for this which should be used before starting treatment with Abacavir.

All anti-HIV drugs have side-effects, and between 5% and 8% of people who start treatment with abacavir (Ziagen, which is also in the combination pills Kivexa  and Trizivir) experience a potentially dangerous allergic reaction.

blame the gene called HLA-B*5701
This allergic (or hypersensitive) reaction is associated with a gene called HLA-B*5701 and there’s a test for this that you should have before starting treatment with this drug.
 

If the test is positive, you should not take abacavir. If it is negative, it is probably okay to take abacavir, but you should tell your HIV doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as fever, stomach problems, rash and sore throat.
 

The HLA-B*5701 gene is found most often in people whose genetic background is northern European. Research suggests that it’s very rare in people from Asian countries such as China and Japan. This has been confirmed by a recently published study. It found that no Korean patient who had the test for abacavir allergy had the HLA-B*5701 gene.
 

Your clinic should offer to screen you before starting abacavir teatment. Ask to be screened if this is not offered. If you are already on abacavir and have no side effects such as fever, stomach problems, rash and sore throat, then you have no need for screening.