Pronunciation: zye-DOE-vue-deen
Generic Name: Zidovudine
Brand Name: Retrovir
Severe bone marrow problems (eg, low white blood cell levels, anemia) have been reported with Zidovudine Capsules. The risk may be greater in patients with advanced HIV infection. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of anemia (eg, severe or persistent tiredness or weakness) or an infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent cough or sore throat, decreased or painful urination).
Muscle pain or aches have occurred with long-term use of Zidovudine Capsules. Tell your doctor if you develop these effects.
A severe and sometimes fatal effect called lactic acidosis has been reported with this type of medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you experience fast breathing; fast or irregular heartbeat; nausea; severe or unusual drowsiness; shortness of breath; sluggishness; vomiting; dizziness or light-headedness; feeling of being unusually cold; or unusual muscle pain or cramps.
Severe and sometimes fatal liver problems have been reported with this type of medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; severe or persistent loss of appetite, nausea, or stomach pain).
Zidovudine Capsules is used for:
Treating HIV infection when used along with other medicines. It is also used with other medicines to help prevent women from passing the HIV virus to the fetus during pregnancy.
Zidovudine Capsules is an antiviral. It works by blocking the reproduction of the HIV virus.
Do NOT use Zidovudine Capsules if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Zidovudine Capsules
- you are taking doxorubicin, ribavirin, stavudine, or any other medicine that contains zidovudine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Zidovudine Capsules:
Some medical conditions may interact with Zidovudine Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have bone marrow problems (eg, low white blood cell or hemoglobin levels) or lactic acidosis
- if you have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence, kidney problems, pancreatitis, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or other liver problems (eg, cirrhosis)
- if you are on dialysis, you are at risk for liver problems, or you are very overweight
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zidovudine Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Zalcitabine because severe pancreas problems may occur
- Ganciclovir, interferon alfa, probenecid, valproic acid, or any other medicine that contains zidovudine because they may increase the risk of Zidovudine Capsules's side effects
- Ribavirin because it may decrease Zidovudine Capsules's effectiveness or increase the risk of Zidovudine Capsules's side effects
- Doxorubicin or stavudine because they may decrease Zidovudine Capsules's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zidovudine Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Zidovudine Capsules:
Use Zidovudine Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Zidovudine Capsules may be taken with or without food.
- Use Zidovudine Capsules on a regular schedule around the clock, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Continue to take Zidovudine Capsules even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- It is important not to miss doses of Zidovudine Capsules. If you miss a dose of Zidovudine Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zidovudine Capsules.
Important safety information:
- Zidovudine Capsules may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or stop taking Zidovudine Capsules without checking with your doctor.
- Zidovudine Capsules is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.
- Zidovudine Capsules does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.
- The risk of certain severe side effects (lactic acidosis, severe liver problems) may be greater in women, patients who are overweight (obese), and patients who have taken certain HIV medicines for a long time. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your risk for severe side effects from Zidovudine Capsules.
- Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Zidovudine Capsules. The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
- Zidovudine Capsules may improve immune system function. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of infection (eg, fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start Zidovudine Capsules.
- Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Zidovudine Capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANT WOMEN: Zidovudine Capsules may not always prevent you from passing the HIV virus to the fetus. It is not known how Zidovudine Capsules may affect the baby later in life. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zidovudine Capsules while you are pregnant. Zidovudine Capsules is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zidovudine Capsules. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Zidovudine Capsules to the baby.
Possible side effects of Zidovudine Capsules:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; unusual tiredness; vomiting; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); muscle pain, aches, cramps, or weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent cough or sore throat, decreased or painful urination); symptoms of lactic acidosis (eg, fast breathing; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe or unusual nausea, drowsiness, or vomiting; shortness of breath; sluggishness; dizziness or light-headedness; feeling of being unusually cold); symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; severe or persistent loss of appetite, nausea, or stomach pain); symptoms of pancreatitis (eg, severe stomach or back pain, with or without nausea and vomiting).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Zidovudine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Zidovudine Capsules:
Store Zidovudine Capsules at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zidovudine Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Zidovudine Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Zidovudine Capsules is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zidovudine Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Zidovudine resources
- Zidovudine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Zidovudine Dosage
- Zidovudine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Zidovudine Drug Interactions
- Zidovudine Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Zidovudine - Add your own review/rating
Compare Zidovudine with other medications
- HIV Infection
- Nonoccupational Exposure
- Occupational Exposure
- Reduction of Perinatal Transmission of HIV
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