U.S. Brand Names

Retrovir®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Zidovudine®; AZT™; Retrovir®

Mexican Brand Names

Retrovir-AZT; Timivudin

Pharmacologic Category

Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Nucleoside)

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine may cause severe changes in blood cell counts, severe damage to the liver, or a change in acid levels in the blood. This medicine may cause muscle aches and stiffness if it is used for long periods of time. Closely review the section in this leaflet which lists when to call healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to zidovudine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.

How does it work?

• Zidovudine works to injure the virus and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not run out of this medicine.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.

• Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Anemia and low white blood cell count.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Not hungry.

• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 16:19:43.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:35.0

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