Zidovudine Bone Marrow Suppression

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Zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT)

What Is Zidovudine? Zidovudine (Retrovir) is a drug used for antiretroviral therapy (ART). It was first manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare. The patent on zidovudine expired in 2005 and several generic versions have been approved. Several are available under PEPFAR (see Fact Sheet 475 ). Zidovudine is also known as azidodeoxythymidine, AZT or ZDV. Zidovudine was the first drug approved for the treatment of...

Ask the Experts

Bone Marrow Suppression

I've recently been diagnosed with HIV, my Doctor told me that from my levels, I have been positive between ten and fifteen years. I don't know very much about the numbers and counts yet, I start to see a specialist the end of May. My...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Bone marrow suppression can result from a variety of causes. Finding the specific cause will lead to the appropriate treatment. Common causes include certain infections, such as parvovirus B19, and drug toxicities, such as AZT or chemotherapy.... Read more »

AZT (Zidovudine 300mg)

I just started taking AZT. I have always bruised very easy (since I was a child). Is there any potential problems I should be aware of? Is this something I should inform my doctor about? Is there a window of time for taking your meds that you...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Although AZT can cause bone marrow suppression, for persons who bruise easily that is rarely a concern. Also, if the easy bruising is due to low a platelet count, AZT sometimes helps that condition. The twice a day dosing for AZT is usually OK +/-... Read more »

BONE MARROW GROWTH DISORDER AND PROCRIT

Dear Sir: After being diagnoised with pernicious anemia and a B12 deficiency my family doctor sent me to a hemotologist when she noticed a low white cell count and abnormal red blood cells. After several tests up to and including a bone marrow...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Your diagnosis, "bone marrow growth disorder," is indeed rather vague. All blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets - are manufactured in our bone marrow. You have evidence of a deficiency or suppression of both... Read more »

SUPPRESION OF BONE MARROW

HELLO DR FRANSCINO, I AM CURRENTLY TAKING COMBIVIR AND SUSTIVA. HAVE BEEN SINCE NOV 2007 WHEN I WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED. MY QUESTION IS THAT DOES THE MED COMBIVIR HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY WBC AND RBC BEING LOW. MY DR INSISTS ON DOING ANOTHER BONE...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,Your story points out just how absurd our current health care system really is!First off, yes, it is possible the AZT component of your Combivir could be suppressing your bone marrow. Any HIV specialist should be well aware of that. That an... Read more »

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