Retrovir is used in combination with other anti-virus medicines in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Retrovir is used to slow the progression of disease in patients infected with HIV who have advanced symptoms, early symptoms, or no symptoms at all. This medicine also is used to help prevent pregnant women who have HIV from passing the virus to their babies during pregnancy and at birth.
Retrovir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Zidovudine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Retrovir may cause some serious side effects, including bone marrow problems. Symptoms of bone marrow problems include fever, chills, or sore throat; pale skin; and unusual tiredness or weakness. These problems may require blood transfusions or temporarily stopping treatment with zidovudine. Check with your doctor if any new health problems or symptoms occur while you are taking zidovudine . |
| What are the recommended dosage of retrovir? |
ADULTS
The usual dose of Retrovir, in combination with other HIV drugs, is 600 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses.
If you are pregnant, the usual dosage is 100 milligrams in capsules, tablets, or syrup 5 times a day, beginning at 14 weeks of pregnancy, until you go into labor. You will then be given the drug intravenously until the baby is born. The baby will get Retrovir every 6 hours until it is 6 weeks old.
CHILDREN
The usual starting dose for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age is determined by body size. While the dose should not exceed 200 milligrams every 8 hours, it must still be individually determined. The drug is given along with other HIV medications.
Overdosage
Symptoms of Retrovir overdose may include:
Fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting
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| What are the side effects of retrovir? |
| This medication may cause headache, trouble sleeping, muscle soreness, nausea or discoloration of finger and toe nails as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or become severe. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: fever, chills, sore throat, unusual tiredness, weakness, pale skin (anemia), lack of coordination, unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, dark urine, muscle aches, yellowing eyes/skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. |
What are the precautions of retrovir? |
| Before you take zidovudine, tell your doctor if you have a history of: anemia, bleeding or blood problems, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, major injury/surgery/infection, alcoholism, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Avoid breast-feeding to prevent transmission of HIV to a child that may not be infected. Zidovudine is excreted into human milk |
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