ZIDOVIR Zidovudine

Zidovir belongs to a group of medications called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), also known as antiretrovirals. It does not cure HIV infection; it reduces the amount of viruses in the body by inhibiting the enzyme (viral reverse transcriptase) which is essential for the virus to grow. Further, it also increases some white blood cells (CD4 cells) of the body that are important in fighting infections.

MEDICINE USES :

Zidovudine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. It is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is also given during pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to her baby. It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

ZIDOVUDINE SIDE EFFECTS :

headache; fever, general ill feeling; cough; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

    low white blood cell counts–fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
    low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
    liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
    signs of a new infection–fever, night sweats, swollen glands, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
    chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
    cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
    rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly feeling, problems with balance or eye movement;
    trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control; or
    swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

ZIDOVIR ZIDOVUDINE TABLETS Preccautions :

    Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), alcohol use, low red/white blood cells.
    Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes or any other condition that requires you to limit sugar in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
    Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
    Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
    During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
    This medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

This is not a complete list. Ask your health care provider for more information.

MEDICATION STORAGE REQUIREMENTS :

Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F) and protect from light.

DRUG INTERACTIONS :

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

    doxorubicin;
    ganciclovir;
    interferon alfa (Intron, Infergen);
    ribavirin (Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol, Ribasphere, RibaTab); or
    drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.