Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ZIDOVUDINE - INJECTION (zye-DOE-view-deen)

BRAND NAME(S): Retrovir

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: Rarely, this medication has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood problems (e.g., lactic acidosis, granulocytopenia, anemia), especially in people with advanced HIV infection. Prolonged use of zidovudine has caused muscle aches similar to those produced by HIV. Notify your doctor immediately if you have dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal or stomach pain, unusual fatigue, muscle aches, rapid breathing, drowsiness, or symptoms of an infection such as persistent fever or sore throat.

USES: This medication is used in the management of HIV infections in symptomatic adults. This is not a cure for HIV infections.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection by a health care professional. It is usually infused slowly into a vein over a period of 1 hour every 4 hours. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, trouble sleeping, sweating, dizziness, altered taste, muscle aches, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual tiredness, skin rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, chest pain, mental/mood changes, swelling of the feet or ankles, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, vision changes, seizures. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.