Zidovudine, ZDV injection

What is this medicine?

ZIDOVUDINE (zye DOE vue deen) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. This medicine can lower, but not fully prevent, the risk of spreading HIV to others.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• dizziness

• muscle pain or weakness

• nausea, vomiting, unusual upset stomach or stomach pain

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• headache

• loss of appetite

• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

What may interact with this medicine?

• doxorubicin

• fluconazole

• ganciclovir

• interferon

• other zidovudine medicines

• phenytoin

• ribavirin

• stavudine, d4T

• valproic acid

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia

• drink alcohol-containing drinks

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• an unusual or allergic reaction to zidovudine, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

This medicine can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medicine. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.