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Zidovudine |
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What is Zidovudine and why is it prescribed? Zidovudine is prescribed for adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Zidovudine slows down the progress of HIV. Combining Zidovudine with other drugs such as Epivir and Crixivan can help slow the progression. Zidovudine taken during pregnancy often prevents transmission of HIV from mother to child. The long-term effects of treatment with Zidovudine are unknown. Treatment with this drug may lead to blood diseases, including granulocytopenia and severe anemia requiring blood transfusions. This is especially true in women, individuals who are overweight, people who have been using this medication for a long time, people with more advanced HIV, and those who start treatment later in the course of their infection. Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV infections or AIDS. Notify your doctor immediately of any changes in your general health. How should you take Zidovudine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Zidovudine. Do not share this medication with anyone and do not exceed your recommended dosage. Take it at even intervals every 4 hours around the clock (children every 6 hours). If you are pregnant, take the drug 5 times a day. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Tablets, capsules, and syrup should be stored at room temperature. Keep capsules away from moisture. Are there any Zidovudine side effects? Zidovudine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The frequency and severity of side effects associated with the use of Zidovudine are greater in people whose infection is more advanced when treatment is started. More common Zidovudine side effects may include cough, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, ear pain, discharge or swelling, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, fever, general feeling of illness, headache, loss of appetite, mouth sores, nausea, nasal discharge or congestion, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and vomiting. Less common Zidovudine side effects may include anemia, anxiety, back pain, blood disorders, blood in urine, breast enlargement, change in sense of taste, chest pain, confusion, chills, constipation, decreased mental sharpness, decreased reflexes, depression, difficulty sleeping, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, dimness of vision, dizziness, drowsiness, exaggerated feeling of well-being, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, frequent urination, gas, hearing loss, heart failure, hepatitis, hives, indigestion, inflammation of the blood vessels, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the sinuses or nose, itching, irritability, joint pain, light intolerance, loss of sensation, mouth discoloration, muscle pain, muscle spasm, nervousness, seizures, severe allergic reaction, skin eruptions and peeling, skin inflammation, stomach and intestinal cramps and pain, sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling from fluid in the tissues, swelling in the eye, sweating, swelling of the face and throat, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, weakness, weight loss, yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes, and vertigo. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Zidovudine? If Zidovudine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zidovudine with Atovaquone (Mepron), Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, a cancer drug), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Ganciclovir (Cytovene), Interferon (Intron A, Roferon-A), Methadone, Nelfinavir (Viracept), Phenytoin (Dilantin, a seizure medication), Probenecid (Benemid, an antigout drug), Ribavirin (Virazole), Rifampin (Rifadin), Ritonavir (Norvir), Stavudine (Zerit), or Valproic acid (Depakene, a seizure medication). Do not take Zidovudine with Combivir or Trizivir, which contain the same active ingredient. Are there any special warnings about Zidovudine? Zidovudine has been studied for only a limited period of time. Long-term safety and effectiveness are not known, especially for people who are in a less advanced stage of AIDS or AIDS-related complex, and for those using the drug over a prolonged period of time. Zidovudine can cause an enlarged liver and the chemical imbalance known as lactic acidosis. This serious and sometimes fatal side effect is more likely in women, people who are overweight, and those who have been taking drugs such as Zidovudine for an extended period. Signs of lactic acidosis include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and a feeling of unwellness. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Treatment with Zidovudine may have to be discontinued. If you develop a blood disease, you may require a blood transfusion, and your doctor may reduce your dose or take you off the drug altogether. Make sure your doctor monitors your blood count on a regular basis. The use of Zidovudine has not been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination or to nursing infants. Zidovudine should be used with extreme caution by people who have a bone marrow disease. Some people taking Zidovudine develop a sensitization reaction, often signaled by a rash. If you notice a rash developing, notify your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop shortness of breath, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, or any unexpected problems while being treated with Zidovudine. Because little data are available concerning the use of this drug in people with impaired kidney or liver function, check with your doctor before using Zidovudine if you have either problem. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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