Definition for Abacavir

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Abacavir is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat HIV and AIDS. It has been well tolerated: the main side effect is hypersensitivity, which can be severe, and in rare cases, fatal. Genetic testing can indicate whether an individual will be hypersensitive; over 90% of patients can safely take abacavir. However, in a separate study, the risk of heart attack increased by nearly 90%.