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CHEMICAL NAME
ZIDOVUDINE.
INDICATIONS
Retrovir(Zidovudine) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiviral agent used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by slowing the growth of the virus. It is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others. This medication is also used in pregnant women to prevent spreading the virus to the fetus. One group of HIV medications (the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs such as zidovudine and lamivudine) are very useful. However, NRTIs are recommended to be used in combination with other groups of HIV medications in order to be effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
DIRECTIONS
Take Retrovir(Zidovudine) Capsules exactly as your doctor prescribed. If Retrovir(Zidovudine) is prescribed every 4 hours, it is important to take it around the clock, even though it might disrupt your sleep. Frequently it is prescribed less often than every 4 hours and in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this drug.
SIDE EFFECTS
This medication may cause headache, trouble sleeping, muscle soreness, nausea or discoloration of finger and toe nails as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or become severe. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: fever, chills, sore throat, unusual tiredness, weakness, pale skin (anemia), lack of coordination, unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, dark urine, muscle aches, yellowing eyes/skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before you take zidovudine, tell your doctor if you have a history of: anemia, bleeding or blood problems, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, major injury/surgery/infection, alcoholism, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Avoid breast-feeding to prevent transmission of HIV to a child that may not be infected. Zidovudine is excreted into human milk.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health Store at room temperature between 59 to 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Retrovir(Zidovudine) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: doxorubicin, ribavirin, stavudine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting zidovudine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: acetaminophen, amphotericin B, aspirin, atovaquone, cimetidine, co-trimoxazole, dapsone, fluconazole, flucytosine, ganciclovir, indomethacin, interferon, lorazepam, methadone, oxazepam, pentamidine, phenytoin, probenecid, rifamycins, valproic acid, drugs that suppress the bone marrow (such as vinblastine or vincristine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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