Abacavir: una revisión actualizada sobre sus propiedades y aplicaciones

The National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of the IST/HIV/ aids, 2014-2018 in Cuba establishes a group of actions such as the standardization and optimization of antiretroviral therapy schedules, adaptation of the beginning of the treatment to the recent recommendations of the World Health Organization, the improvement of the quality of care, the adherence to and the reduction of the cost of medications. For the purpose of complying with these tasks, it is anticipated to introduce in the basic drug listing some Cuban generic antiretroviral drugs to increase the possible combinations of the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy available for patients who live with the human immunodeficiency virus and to reduce imports. An exhaustive literature review was made for the update of the medical and scientific community knowledge. This article analyzed the main characteristics of abacavir such as chemical-physical properties of the active principle, their commercial presentations, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and resistance, adverse reactions and interactions, therapeutic applications, dosages, dose adjustments and safety at pregnancy. To this end, a total of 58 articles were consulted including literature reviews, original papers, technical records, books, lectures and reports. Abacavir is a relatively new antiretroviral, widely recommended by treatment guidelines on account of its proven effectiveness(AU)