Retrovir (oral/injection)
Generic name:zidovudine (oral/injection) [ zye-DOE-vyoo-deen ]
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
What is Retrovir?
Retrovir is an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is also given during pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to her baby. This medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Retrovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, vomiting, or if you feel cold, tired, or very weak.
Retrovir can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help circulate oxygen. This medicine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as: fever, flu symptoms, unusual tiredness, mouth sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet, upper stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Retrovir if you are allergic to it.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a 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.
Retrovir 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;
a latex allergy (if you receive Retrovir injection);
bone marrow suppression;
anemia (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.
How should I use Retrovir?
Follow all directions on your pre...
