Drug Name

Retrovir

Drug Uses

Retrovir is used for treating HIV infection when used along with other medicines. It is also used with other medicines to help prevent women from passing the HIV virus to the fetus during pregnancy.

How to use

Do NOT use Retrovir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Retrovir
• you have an enlarged liver, high lactic acid levels in the blood, or abnormal liver function tests
• you are taking doxorubicin, ribavirin, stavudine, or any medicine that contains zidovudine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Retrovir:
Some medical conditions may interact with Retrovir . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have bone marrow problems, low white blood cell levels, kidney problems, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, or other liver problems
• if you are very overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Retrovir . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Zalcitabine because severe pancreas problems may occur
• Fluconazole, ganciclovir, interferon alfa, probenecid, valproic acid, or any medicine that contains zidovudine because they may increase the risk of Retrovir 's side effects
• Doxorubicin, ribavirin, or stavudine because they may decrease Retrovir 's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Retrovir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Retrovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking the reproduction of the HIV virus.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Retrovir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Retrovir
• you have an enlarged liver, high lactic acid levels in the blood, or abnormal liver function tests
• you are taking doxorubicin, ribavirin, stavudine, or any medicine that contains zidovudine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Retrovir:
Some medical conditions may interact with Retrovir . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have bone marrow problems, low white blood cell levels, kidney problems, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, or other liver problems
• if you are very overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Retrovir . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Zalcitabine because severe pancreas problems may occur
• Fluconazole, ganciclovir, interferon alfa, probenecid, valproic acid, or any medicine that contains zidovudine because they may increase the risk of Retrovir 's side effects
• Doxorubicin, ribavirin, or stavudine because they may decrease Retrovir 's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Retrovir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; drowsiness; fast breathing; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; muscle pain or aches; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Retrovir , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Retrovir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.