This medicine is used for the following purposes:
Brand Name(s): Retrovir
Generic Name: Zidovudine
Instructions
Drink the medicine.
Measure the dose of liquid medicine carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. If you do not have one, please ask your pharmacist for help.
This medicine may be taken with or without food.
Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.
This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.
Always use condoms during sex.
Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine may affect areas where fat is stored in the body. This may change your body shape.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased appetite
- changes in areas of body fat may alter your body shape
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- confusion
- coughing
- drowsiness or sedation
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- fast or irregular heart beats
- pain in the joints
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- muscle pain or weakness
- nervousness
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- rapid breathing
- shortness of breath
- difficulty speaking
- severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
- difficulty swallowing
- swelling in the neck or throat
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- blurring or changes of vision
- unexpected or extreme weight loss
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ZIDOVUDINE (AZT) - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.