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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Retrovir and Equivalent

Retrovir Information

Retrovir (Zidovudine) is used in the treatment of HIV infection, often given together with other antiretroviral drugs to reduce the amount of virus in the blood and support immune system function. HIV is a viral infection that targets and destroys components of the immune system, including white blood cells called CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. If left untreated, HIV will gradually progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most severe stage of HIV infection. Retrovir is also prescribed to women during pregnancy and delivery, and to newborns after delivery to reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Its active ingredient is zidovudine, which belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class of antiretroviral drugs. The way it works is by acting as a decoy. When HIV enters a cell, it uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. Zidovudine mimics a natural building block of DNA. When the virus's enzyme mistakenly incorporates it into the new viral DNA chain, the replication process is halted. This mechanism effectively halts the virus from multiplying, thereby reducing the viral load in the body and helping to preserve the immune system.

Retrovir Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medicine include breast enlargement (men), a changed sense of taste, changes in fingernail or toenail colour, changes in skin colour, chills, cough, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle aches, sleepiness, sweating, trouble sleeping, and vomiting. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Abdominal pain;
• Anemia (low red blood cells), with symptoms like pale skin, unusual tiredness, or weakness;
• Depression;
• Easy bruising and bleeding;
• Fever, chill, rigor, cough, body rash, and other symptoms of immune system changes; • Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, darkened urine, light-coloured stools, nausea, and vomiting; • Pancreatitis with symptoms like abdominal pain on the upper left side and back pain;
• Seizures;
• Severe skin reactions, such as itchy skin rash and blisters;
• Unexplained muscle pain and weakness

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Retrovir Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to zidovudine, the inactive ingredients in Retrovir, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Blood cell disorders such as low white blood cells;
• Chronic alcohol abuse;
• Diabetes;
• Kidney disease;
• Lactate acidosis;
• Liver disease, including viral hepatitis;
• Obesity;
• Pancreatitis

Check with your doctor regularly while taking this medication. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your response to this medication and identify any potential side effects. Do not drive or operate machines if you feel tired, sleepy, or dizzy after taking this medicine. Please avoid the use of alcohol while using this medication, as it can cause side effects. This medicine is safe for use during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended in women with HIV as the infection can be passed to the baby through breast milk. This antiretroviral medication may interact with other drugs or substances, such as clarithromycin, phenytoin, stavudine, ribavirin, and rifampicin. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Retrovir to prevent potential drug interactions.

Retrovir is available in tablets of different dosages. Take these tablets orally with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose of this medication, as the dosage may vary depending on your individual medical condition. You need to take it exactly as prescribed and not skip doses, because missing doses makes the virus more challenging to control and may lead to drug resistance. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Retrovir?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Retrovir.