ZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir ®) is used for treating HIV infection when used along with other medicines. It is also used with other medicines to help prevent women from passing the HIV virus to the fetus during pregnancy. Retrovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking the reproduction of the HIV virus
ZIDOVUDINE, ZDV (AZT or Retrovir®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Zidovudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Zidovudine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Zidovudine is used with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Zidovudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic zidovudine tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
anemia
dental disease
kidney disease
liver disease
recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
an unusual or allergic reaction to zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Take zidovudine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with plenty of water, especially at bedtime to prevent throat irritation. If zidovudine upsets your stomach, you can take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with Zidovudine, ZDV?
antiviral agents (such as acyclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, valganciclovir)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Zidovudine, ZDV?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
changes in body appearance (weight gain around waist and/or face)
fever or chills, sore throat
muscle pain or weakness
joint pain
pain or difficulty swallowing
seizures or convulsions
signs of low platelet counts such as unusual bleeding or bruising
signs of low red blood cell counts such as increased tiredness or weakness
skin rash, itching, or rash with symptoms such as fever, blisters, eye irritation, edema, redness, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
sores or ulcers in the mouth or throat
swelling of the eyelids, face, hands, or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
tingling, pain, burning, or numbness in the hands or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
difficulty sleeping
discolored nails and skin
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
What should I watch for while taking Zidovudine, ZDV?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet.
Zidovudine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Tell your dentist you are taking zidovudine.
Zidovudine will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking zidovudine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15.25 degrees C (59.77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. Sexual Men's Health The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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