ZIDOVUDINE (AZT)-ORAL (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause headache, trouble sleeping, muscle soreness, nausea or discoloration of finger and toe nails as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or become severe. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: fever, chills, sore throat, unusual tiredness, weakness, pale skin (anemia), lack of coordination, unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, dark urine, muscle aches, yellowing eyes/skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take zidovudine, tell your doctor if you have a history of: anemia, bleeding or blood problems, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, major injury/surgery/infection, alcoholism, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Avoid breast-feeding to prevent transmission of HIV to a child that may not be infected. Zidovudine is excreted into human milk.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: doxorubicin, ribavirin, stavudine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting zidovudine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: acetaminophen, amphotericin B, aspirin, atovaquone, cimetidine, co-trimoxazole, dapsone, fluconazole, flucytosine, ganciclovir, indomethacin, interferon, lorazepam, methadone, oxazepam, pentamidine, phenytoin, probenecid, rifamycins, valproic acid, drugs that suppress the bone marrow (such as vinblastine or vincristine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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