How Does Azt Help Fight Hiv

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

An Overview of Retrovir (Zidovudine, AZT)

zye-DOE-vyoo-deen Brand Name: Retrovir Other Name(s): AZT, Azidothymidine, ZDV Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors What is zidovudine? 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...

Ask the Experts

Stopping AZT vs.starting procrit

I know that AZT can cause anemia. But I also have read here where you say that procrit can help fight anemia.Do you think it is necessary to stop AZT and take procrit? Or will taking procrit allow me to stay on AZT (it's been good to me)?hope...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,Good question! And one I havent addressed in a while. Yes, AZT (Retrovir, Combivir, Trizivir) is well known to suppress bone marrow function, including the production of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. However, AZT in its various... Read more »

AZT (Retrovir) & Pregnancy How to know if your resistient to AZT

In 1988 I had a child. 3 months later I was informed her father tested positive. So did I. The baby did not. 1990 - 1991 I took AZT (Retrovir) 1 pill 5 x a day. Then stopped taking it. In 1993 I became pregnant again. Started taking AZT again...

Response from John L. Sullivan, M.D.

University of Massachusetts, Medical School

The risk of transmitting HIV to your infant is directly linked to your viral load; if your viral load is less than 50 copies/ml your risk is less than 1%; the therapy that reduces your viral load to less than 50 can include many different drugs and... Read more »

AZT and skin darkening

Hi,I am a African American male and I have been on AZT for about 6 months nowand my skin has darken significantly. It is to the point where people arestarting to stare at me. Initially I didn't have a problem with dark skinsince I am an African...

Response from David Wohl, M.D.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Hi-Skin and nail discoloration is not an uncommon complaint among African-Americans taking AZT. Whether to modify your current treatment regimen and how depends on several important factors. First, it should be made clear whether the AZT you are... Read more »

AZT related fatigue

Thanks for your recent answer to my question regarding treatment of AZT related fatigue. Because I have had good results with AZT, I am reluctant to switch to another drug. I am already taking a B-complex vitamin (100 mg) but how many times a day...

Response from J. B. Molaghan, N.P., A.C.R.N.

San Francisco General Hospital

HelloYes, the treatment options can be overwhelming. Usually, just a daily B complex supplement is enough if you are feeling well and eating well. The treatment for AZT induced anemia I was referring to is called Procrit (erythropoietin alfa). This... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

Help The Fight

Posted by Anonymous

Hello All

Please go to www.worldcommunitygrid.org and download the program fightAIDS@home and your computer will be used to test ne PI and fight HIV!!!! By thousands of people lending some of there processor it will enable companys to test these... Read more »

You can help fight AIDS at home!

Posted by Nocturnity

Hi guys

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of the World Community Grid? It's an organization that uses GRID computing as a way to aid in research and HIV/AIDS is big on their agenda. I've been a member since 2006.

Basically, you install a small... Read more »

Worried Wells help fight for a Cure

Posted by Anonymous, 5 Replies

Please go to this site and fill out this petition to send to our president George W. Bush.

http://www.stemcellsnow.org

His policy on stem cell medical research is hindering progress that will eventually lead to cures and advanced treatments for Heart... Read more »

HIV and Nutrition fighting back

Posted by Atlanta2005, 1 Reply

Ever since I lost my lover and a few friends when no meds were available, I have been following the frontlines and behind the lines of HIV. Its been 20 years. I am not an expert, but I know more about a lot of things than my own doctor does. And I... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>