* Generic Name: zidovudine
* Brand Name: Retrovir
* What is zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* What are the possible side effects of zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* How should I take zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Retrovir)?
* What happens if I overdose (Retrovir)?
* What should I avoid while taking zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* What other drugs will affect zidovudine (Retrovir)?
* Where can I get more information (Retrovir)?
What is zidovudine (Retrovir)?
Zidovudine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.
Zidovudine is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine is also given during
pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to
her baby. Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Zidovudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of zidovudine (Retrovir)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
(hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
and peeling).
Early symptoms of lactic acidosis may get worse over time and this
condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even
mild symptoms: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in
your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with
vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or
tired.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* low white blood cell counts--fever, flu symptoms, swollen gums,
painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cough,
trouble breathing;
* low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness,
feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
or
* liver problems--swelling around your midsection, upper stomach
pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine,
clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Zidovudine may increase your risk of certain infections or
autoimmune disorders by changing the way your immune system
works. Symptoms may occur weeks or months after you start treatment
with zidovudine. Tell your doctor if you have:
* signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands,
mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
* chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing,
feeling short of breath;
* cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
* rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly
feeling, problems with balance or eye movement;
* trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of
bladder or bowel control; or
* swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual
changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.
Common side effects may include:
* headache;
* fever, general ill feeling;
* cough;
* nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
* changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your
arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about zidovudine
(Retrovir)?
This medicine may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Get
emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle
pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble
breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, irregular heart rate,
dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
Zidovudine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections
and help circulate oxygen in your body. Zidovudine can also cause
severe or life-threatening effects on your liver.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as: fever, flu symptoms,
unusual tiredness, mouth sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet, upper
stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Retrovir Patient Information including How Should I Take
HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments
HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zidovudine
(Retrovir)?
Do not take zidovudine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
Retrovir or any medicine that contains zidovudine, including
Combivir or Trizivir.
Do not take Retrovir with any other medicine that contains zidovudine
or stavudine, including: Combivir, Trizivir, or Zerit.
Some people taking zidovudine develop a serious condition called lactic
acidosis. This may be more likely in women, in people who are
overweight or have liver disease, and in people who have taken
HIV/AIDS medication for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your
risk.
Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your
liver. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, especially
hepatitis C.
To make sure zidovudine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* kidney disease;
* muscle problems;
* bone marrow suppression;
* bleeding or a blood cell disorder; or
* if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Zidovudine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, HIV can be
passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy.
Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry.
This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any
effects of zidovudine on the baby.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby
is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast
milk.
How should I take zidovudine (Retrovir)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Zidovudine can be taken with or without food.
If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has
any changes in weight. Zidovudine doses are based on weight in
children, and any changes may affect your child's dose.
Zidovudine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections
and help circulate oxygen in your body. You may get an infection or
feel more tired than usual. Your blood will need to be tested often.
HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all
medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or
patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your
doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person
with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Retrovir Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments
HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Retrovir)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Retrovir)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking zidovudine (Retrovir)?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage or
lactic acidosis.
Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other
people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes.
Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission
during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a
healthy person.
What other drugs will affect zidovudine (Retrovir)?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* doxorubicin;
* ganciclovir;
* interferon alfa;
* ribavirin; or
* drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine,
steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with zidovudine,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Retrovir)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about zidovudine.
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