RETROVIR

Drug Name: RETROVIR

RETROVIR DESCRIPTION:
ZIDOVUDINE (AZT) - ORAL (zye-DOE-view-deen)

COMMON RETROVIR BRAND NAME(S):
Retrovir

RETROVIR SIDE EFFECTS:
RETROVIR 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. 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.

HOW TO USE RETROVIR:
RETROVIR: Take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed. If this medicine is prescribed every 4 hours, it is important to take it around the clock, even though it might disrupt your sleep. Frequently it is prescribed less often than every 4 hours and in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.

RETROVIR WARNING:
RETROVIR has caused severe, even 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, symptoms of infection such as persistent fever or sore throat.

RETROVIR USES:
Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiviral agent used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by slowing the growth of the virus. It is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others. RETROVIR is also used in pregnant women to prevent spreading the virus to the fetus.

OTHER USES OF RETROVIR:
RETROVIR may also be used to prevent HIV after coming in contact with the virus.

RETROVIR 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. RETROVIR 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.

RETROVIR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially: ganciclovir, dapsone, ribavirin, fluconazole, interferon, methadone, aspirin, probenecid, rifamycins, acetaminophen, cimetidine, valproic acid, indomethacin, lorazepam, oxazepam, phenytoin, amphotericin B, co-trimoxazole, doxorubicin, flucytosine, pentamidine, atovaquone, vinblastine, vincristine (drugs that suppress the bone marrow). bone marrow). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RETROVIR OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.

RETROVIR NOTES:
Blood tests will probably be done on a regular basis to monitor how well the medicine is working. RETROVIR is very potent and should not be shared.

MISSED RETROVIR DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

RETROVIR STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 to 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.