Question 1

What is Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection) used for?

Accepted Answer

HIV Infection
Occupational Exposure
Reduction of Perinatal Transmission of HIV
Nonoccupational Exposure

Question 2

What is the most important information I should know about Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection)?

Accepted Answer

You should not use zidovudine if you are allergic to it.

You may develop a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk. lactic acidosis,

Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, especially hepatitis C.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease;
muscle problems;
a latex allergy (if you receive zidovudine injection);
bone marrow suppression;
anemia (low red blood cells); or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

kidney disease;
muscle problems;
a latex allergy (if you receive zidovudine injection);
bone marrow suppression;
anemia (low red blood cells); or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Question 3

Can I take Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Question 4

How to take Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection)?

Accepted Answer

Use Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Zidovudine is taken by mouth, usually in combination with other antiviral medications. oral Zidovudine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth. injection Zidovudine can be taken with or without food. oral Measure liquid medicine carefully, especially when giving this medicine to a baby. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Zidovudine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help circulate oxygen in your body. You may get an infection or feel more tired than usual. Your blood will need to be tested often. Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Zidovudine doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight. Store zidovudine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. oral

Question 5

What happens if I overdose on Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection)?

Accepted Answer

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection) call your doctor or the Poison Control center '800-222-1222','(800) 222-1222','Poison Control' If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Diclofenac (Voltaren), call 911

Question 6

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection)?

Accepted Answer

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage or lactic acidosis. Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Question 7

What are the side effects of Retrovir (Zidovudine Oral Injection)?

Accepted Answer

Get emergency medical help if you have (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. Call your doctor at once if you have:

low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
liver problems--swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, 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, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

headache;
fever, general ill feeling;
cough;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks).

Zidovudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've used this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have: Common side effects may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.