Abacavir. Part of your HIV therapy? Experiencing hypersensitivity?

Abacavir is a nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor with activity against HIV, available for once daily use in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It has shown positive results, few drug interactions, and a favorable long-term toxicity profile. Abacavir hypersensitivity reactions occur in 3% to 8% of patients starting the drug. Allergy to abacavir is strongly associated with the presence of the HLA-B*5701 gene, and a test has been developed to monitor patients for its presence. Symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir include combinations of fever, rash, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms that become more severe with continued dosing. A test to predict who will develop a severe allergic reaction to the anti-HIV drug abacavir is said to be accurate and found in the April 1st edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases. What is the alternative to taking this drug if you are experiencing hypersensitivity? Have you experienced hypersensitivity reaction? Did you need to switch medications? Give us your thoughts.