What are Zidovudine, ZDV tablets?
ZIDOVUDINE, ZDV (AZT or Retrovir®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Zidovudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Zidovudine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Zidovudine is used with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Zidovudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic zidovudine tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
- anemia
- dental disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- an unusual or allergic reaction to zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Take zidovudine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with plenty of water, especially at bedtime to prevent throat irritation. If zidovudine upsets your stomach, you can take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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.
What drug(s) may interact with Zidovudine, ZDV?
- antiviral agents (such as acyclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, valganciclovir)
- atovaquone
- certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin)
- dapsone
- doxorubicin
- fluconazole
- flucytosine
- interferon alfa or beta
- methadone
- phenytoin
- probenecid
- pyrimethamine
- ribavirin
- rifampin
- stavudine, d4T
- sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP (co-trimoxazole, Bactrim®)
- valproic acid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Zidovudine, ZDV?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- changes in body appearance (weight gain around waist and/or face)
- fever or chills, sore throat
- muscle pain or weakness
- joint pain
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- seizures or convulsions
- signs of low platelet counts such as unusual bleeding or bruising
- signs of low red blood cell counts such as increased tiredness or weakness
- skin rash, itching, or rash with symptoms such as fever, blisters, eye irritation, edema, redness, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- sores or ulcers in the mouth or throat
- swelling of the eyelids, face, hands, or feet
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- tingling, pain, burning, or numbness in the hands or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- difficulty sleeping
- discolored nails and skin
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach pain
What should I watch for while taking Zidovudine, ZDV?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet.
Zidovudine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Tell your dentist you are taking zidovudine.
Zidovudine will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking zidovudine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
