Retrovir

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.

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

• 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

• 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

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

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.

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

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

• 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

• 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

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.

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.