Capsule, Injection, Oral suspension

Glaxo Smithkline

Retrovir (zidovudine) is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection when the oral form cannot be taken. It is also used to prevent the passing of the HIV virus from a pregnant woman to a developing fetus.

Do not use Retrovir (zidovudine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Retrovir (zidovudine)

Before using Retrovir (zidovudine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you are taking Combivir , or combination products that contain zidovudine or Trizinir if you have a bone marrow disorder if you have liver or kidney disease if you have anemia if you have any other medical condition

Retrovir (zidovudine) may be associated with severe blood disorders and liver damage, especially in patients with advanced HIV disease. Rare but potentially fatal acid imbalance in the blood has also occurred.

Other: Mouth sores; feeling of a whirling motion; changes in nail and skin color.

How much medicine you are given and how often it is given depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Retrovir (zidovudine) you are given, talk with your health care provider. Before taking Retrovir (zidovudine), talk with your health care provider about medications that should not be taken with Retrovir (zidovudine). Retrovir (zidovudine) will be prepared and administered by a health care provider. Retrovir (zidovudine) must be used with other HIV medicines to be effective. Certain side effects are more frequent or severe in patients with advanced HIV disease and in those who start taking Retrovir (zidovudine) later in the course of their infection. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occurs: Muscle weakness; yellowing of skin or eyes; fever; sore throat; difficulty breathing; dizziness; rash; dark urine; pale stools; stomach pain or swelling. Contact your health care provider if severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain occurs. A pregnant woman can pass the HIV virus on to her unborn child, even though she is taking Retrovir (zidovudine). Long-term effects of Retrovir (zidovudine) on the unborn child are not known. Retrovir (zidovudine) will not protect against the transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Retrovir (zidovudine) is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may continue to experience illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection. Remain under the care of your doctor and notify them of any changes in your health. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of passing the HIV infection to the child. Retrovir (zidovudine) may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be required while using Retrovir (zidovudine). Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop using Retrovir (zidovudine) without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before using Retrovir (zidovudine). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements.

Store Retrovir (zidovudine) between 59 to 77 degrees F. Protect from light. After diluting, the solution is stable 24 hours at room temperature and 48 hours if refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees F. The diluted solution should be given within 8 hours if stored at 77 degre