Drugs & Vitamins

Zidovudine Injection Active Ingredients: Zidovudine Injection Representative Names: AZT Injection, Azidothymidine Injection, Compound S, Retrovir Injection What is zidovudine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with zidovudine? What side effects may I notice from receiving zidovudine? What should I watch for while taking zidovudine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is zidovudine injection? (Back to top) ZIDOVUDINE, ZDV (AZT or Retrovir®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Zidovudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Zidovudine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Zidovudine is used with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Zidovudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic zidovudine injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •If you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages •anemia •dental disease •kidney disease •liver disease •recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy •an unusual or allergic reaction to zidovudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Zidovudine injection is for slow infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with zidovudine? (Back to top) •antiviral agents (such as acyclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, valganciclovir) •atovaquone •clarithromycin •dapsone •doxorubicin •fluconazole •flucytosine •interferon alfa or beta •methadone •phenytoin •probenecid •pyrimethamine •ribavirin •rifampin •stavudine, d4T •sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP (co-trimoxazole, Bactrim®) •valproic acid Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving zidovudine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •changes in body appearance (weight gain around waist and/or face) •fever or chills, sore throat •muscle pain or weakness •joint pain •pain or difficulty swallowing •seizures or convulsions •signs of low platelet counts such as unusual bleeding or bruising •signs of low red blood cell counts such as increased tiredness or weakness •skin rash, itching, or rash with symptoms such as fever, blisters, eye irritation, edema, redness, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •sores or ulcers in the mouth or throat •swelling of the eyelids, face, hands, or feet •unusual tiredness or weakness •tingling, pain, burning, or numbness in the hands or feet Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •difficulty sleeping •discolored nails and skin •dizziness •drowsiness •headache •loss of appetite •nausea, vomiting •stomach pain What should I watch for while taking zidovudine? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet. Zidovudine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Zidovudine will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking zidovudine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will not receive zidovudine injection to take at home. Last Updated:10/31/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.