This medicine is used for the following purposes:
Brand Name(s): Retrovir
Generic Name: Zidovudine
Instructions
Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.
Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring your dose and using the syringe before using this medicine.
The medicine needs to be mixed before being injected.
Dilute with sterile water for injection, as directed.
Follow package direction for diluting medicine with IV fluids or as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
Do not dilute the medicine until ready to use.
The liquid should be clear and colorless.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Store new medicine in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Do not allow them to freeze.
Before medicine is mixed, it may be stored at room temperature - below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).
Protect medicine from light.
If your medicine is stored in the refrigerator, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.
Discard any unused, mixed medicine after 8 hours at room temperature or 24 hours in the refrigerator.
This medicine should only be used by a person who has been trained to recognize when and how it should be used.
Use this medicine at the same time each day.
Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.
Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
This medicine does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases.
Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased appetite
- constipation
- dizziness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- nausea and vomiting
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- confusion
- fainting
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- hearing loss
- fast or irregular heart beats
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- muscle pain or weakness
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- shakiness
- shortness of breath
- severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
