An Overview of Retrovir (Zidovudine, AZT)

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Brand Name: Retrovir
Other Name(s): AZT, Azidothymidine, ZDV

Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Zidovudine is a type of medicine called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by disrupting one of the early steps in the HIV life cycle, called reverse transcription.

During normal reverse transcription, HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme (a type of protein) converts HIV's RNA -- a single strand of genetic information -- into DNA -- a double strand of genetic information. It does this by recoding the RNA building blocks into complimentary DNA building blocks. As the HIV life cycle proceeds, the newly formed DNA is used to make more copies of HIV virus.

When zidovudine is present, however, it competes with one of the available DNA building blocks called deoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate. By replacing deoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate in the newly developing HIV DNA, zidovudine is able to stop reverse transcriptase from completing its job. This prevents the HIV DNA strand from being formed and halts the HIV life cycle.

Is zidovudine known by any other names?

Yes. Zidovudine is marketed under the brand name Retrovir. ; It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 19, 1987, for use with other antiretroviral medication to treat HIV infection.

Does zidovudine cure HIV or AIDS?

No. Zidovudine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people through sexual contact or blood contamination.

Who should not take zidovudine?

• Women who are breastfeeding should not take zidovudine./li>
• Depending on certain factors, zidovudine may not be right for you. Your doctor will determine if it is appropriate for you to take this medicine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take zidovudine?

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zidovudine, or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medication or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking zidovudine, call your doctor.
• Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you may have had or currently have, including blood problems (such as anemia), kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis), and alcohol use.

How should I take zidovudine?

• Always take this medication as your doctor instructs. Zidovudine tablets, capsules and syrup are taken by mouth, with or without food.
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
• Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
• Keep a written list of all the prescription medicines (such as zidovudine) and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, and any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important to carry this information with you in case of emergencies.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. ; However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What are the possible life-threatening or severe side effects of zidovudine?

The following LIFE-THREATENING OR SEVERE side effects have been reported with zidovudine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Neutropenia and Anemia (Low White and Red Blood Cell Counts). Because zidovudine has been associated with blood cell problems, it is extremely important to have frequent tests to monitor blood cell counts while taking zidovudine. If you experience any of the following symptoms, let your doctor know right away:

  Fatigue
  Shortness of breath
  Dizziness or light-headedness
  Headache
  Chest pain
  Pale skin
  Rapid heart rate
  Fever
  Sores (ulcers) around the mouth
  Chills
  Cough

• Myopathy and myositis (muscle disorders and inflammation of muscles). Contact your doctor if you develop:

  Muscle weakness
  Muscle cramps
  Muscle stiffness or spasms

• Lactic acidosis (build-up of an acid in the blood). This can be a medical emergency and may require treatment in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:

  Feeling week or tired
  Unusual muscle pain
  Trouble breathing
  Unusual stomach pain or discomfort
  Nausea
  Vomiting
  A cold sensation, especially in your arms of legs
  Dizziness or lightheadedness
  Fast or irregular heart beat
  Unexplained weight loss

• Hepatoxicity (serious liver problem). Hepatotoxicity with hepatomegaly (liver enlargement) and steatosis (fat in the liver) has been reported in patients taking antiretroviral medicines, including zidovudine. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, obese (very overweight), or have been taking nucleoside analog-containing medicines, such as zidovudine, for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience the following signs/symptoms of liver problems:

  Jaundice (yellowing of skin or white part of the eyes)
  Dark-colored urine
  Light-colored bowel movements
  Loss of appetite
  Nausea
  Pain in the lower stomach

• Immune reconstitution syndrome (changes in the immune system). This can occur when you start taking anti-HIV medicines. As your immune system becomes stronger, your body may begin to fight infections that have been "hidden" in your body for a long time. Call your doctor immediately if you have any new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine.
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