Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also used during childbirth to keep the mother from passing HIV to her baby. Zidovudine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but may slow the progress of the disease
Brand Names:
Retrovir
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to zidovudine. You should not use this medicine if you are also using any combination medicines that also contain zidovudine (Combivir® or Trizivir®)
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using dapsone, doxorubicin (Adriamycin®, Doxil®, Rubex®), flucytosine (Ancobon®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®, Vitrasert®), interferon alfa (Roferon-A®, Intron A®, Wellferon®, Alferon N®, Infergen®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), probenecid (Benemid®), ribavirin (Rebetron®, Virazole®), stavudine (Zerit®), valproic acid (Depakene®), vinblastine (Velban®), or vincristine (Oncovin®).
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver or kidney disease.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Extreme muscle weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Fever, chills, cough, mouth sores
Lightheadedness or fainting
Rapid breathing or trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, sweating, fast heartbeat
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Changes in the color of your skin, fingernails, or toenails
Loss of appetite
Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain
Muscle or joint pain
Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
