Retrovir
Zidovudine Oral syrup
What is this medicine?
ZIDOVUDINE, ZDV (zye DOE vue deen) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Read More ›
Retrovir can be used to treat the following conditions:
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis
- T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
- thrombocytopenia
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
fever or chills, sore throat
muscle pain or weakness
pain or difficulty swallowing
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
loss of appetite
weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs
What may interact with this medicine?
doxorubicin
fluconazole
ganciclovir
interferon
other zidovudine medicines
phenytoin
ribavirin
stavudine, d4T
valproic acid
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
low blood counts
an unusual or allergic reaction to zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
Who should not take Retrovir?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
alcoholism, anemia, antimicrobial resistance, bone marrow suppression, breast-feeding, chemotherapy, dental disease, dental work, females, hepatic disease, hepatitis, immune reconstitution syndrome, infants, lactic acidosis, myopathy, neonates, neutropenia, obesity, pregnancy, radiation therapy, renal failure, renal impairment
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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