Retrovir ratings & reviews

Retrovir contains the active ingredient zidovudine, a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue. It is available in capsule form for oral administration, with each capsule containing 100 mg of zidovudine. Key inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate. Retrovir is designed to act against HIV-1 by serving as an analogue.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Anemia
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• An unusual or allergic reaction to zidovudine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Doxorubicin
• Fluconazole
• Ganciclovir
• Interferon
• Other zidovudine medications
• Phenytoin
• Ribavirin
• Stavudine, d4T
• Valproic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while taking this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

This medication can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medication. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

You should make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medicine can lower blood cell counts including white blood cells (called neutropenia) and red blood cells (called anemia). Your health care provider will check you blood counts while you take this medicine.

This medicine can cause severe muscle weakness. Call your health care provider right away if you have severe muscle weakness.

This medicine can cause a serious life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. It can also cause serious liver damage.