Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Brand Names: Retrovir

Zidovudine is an antiviral medicine 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.

uses

What isZidovudine (Retrovir)used for?

  • HIV Infection
  • Occupational Exposure
  • 减少围产期传播艾滋病毒
  • Nonoccupational Exposure

warnings

What is the most important information I should know aboutZidovudine (Retrovir)?

You should not use zidovudine if you are allergic to it.

You may developlactic acidosis,一个dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask 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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease;
  • muscle problems;
  • 一个latex allergy (if you receive zidovudine injection);
  • bone marrow suppression;
  • 一个nemia (low red blood cells); or
  • if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine 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.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating forZidovudine (Retrovir)

4.8
out of 5
Side Effects
4.7
Easy to Use
5.0
Effectiveness
4.8
Read Reviews

Side Effects

What are the side effects ofZidovudine (Retrovir)?

Get emergency medical help if you havesigns 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).

Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

马上打电话给你的医生如果你有:

  • low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
  • liver problems--swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Zidovudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've used this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

  • signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
  • trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
  • swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • fever, general ill feeling;
  • cough;
  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
  • loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks).

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.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I takeZidovudine (Retrovir)if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine 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.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while takingZidovudine (Retrovir)?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage or lactic acidosis.

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading.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.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to takeZidovudine (Retrovir)?

UseZidovudine (Retrovir)exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Zidovudineoralis taken by mouth, usually in combination with other antiviral medications.

Zidovudineinjection是给n as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Zidovudineoralcan be taken with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully, especially when giving this medicine to a baby.Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Zidovudine doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

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.

Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive.Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store zidovudineoral一个t room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose ofZidovudine (Retrovir)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.Do nottake two doses at one time.

Because you will receive zidovudineinjectionin a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose onZidovudine (Retrovir)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on:Zidovudine (Retrovir), call your doctor or the Poison Control center
(800) 222-1222
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after takingZidovudine (Retrovir),拨打911
911

Images

H, 1

Color: white

Shape: round

Imprint: H, 1

LOGO Wellcome, Y9C 100

Color: white

Shape: capsule

Imprint: LOGO Wellcome, Y9C 100

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D, 01

Color: white

Shape: capsule

Imprint: D, 01

Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health.
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