Retrovir (Zidovudine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Retrovir Used For?
Retrovir contains zidovudine and belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV infection and help manage AIDS-related conditions.
Primary Uses
Retrovir is used alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals to slow down the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other related illnesses like AIDS-related Complex (ARC).
How It Works
Retrovir does not cure AIDS or HIV infection, but it slows down production of HIV in the body. This helps stop ongoing damage to the body’s immune system which fights infection. You can still pass on HIV when taking this medicine, although the risk is lowered by taking antiretroviral therapy.
Important: While taking Retrovir, you may continue to develop other infections and complications of HIV infection. Keep in regular contact with your doctor.
How to Take Retrovir
Take Retrovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication should be taken regularly at the same time each day.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage is 500mg to 600mg daily taken as a divided dose (between two and five separate doses). A daily dose of 1000mg taken in two divided doses can also be prescribed. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Body odour
- Chills
- Back pain, chest pain
- Weakness
- Weight loss, loss of appetite
- Generally feeling unwell
- Feeling faint
- Constipation
- Heartburn, nausea, vomiting
- Nose bleeds
- Muscle aches or pains
- Confusion, depression, nervousness
- Dizziness, headache, sleeplessness
- Cough, sore throat
- Acne, itchiness
- Vision problems, sensitivity to light
- Hearing loss
- Increased urination frequency
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Reduced red blood cell count (anaemia)
- Reduced white blood cell count (neutropenia)
- Allergic reactions (swelling of lips/tongue, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rash, hives)
- Loss of fat from legs, arms and face (lipoatrophy)
- Lactic acidosis (fast breathing due to high acid levels in blood – can be life threatening)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Retrovir. Discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Retrovir
Do not use Retrovir if you are allergic to zidovudine or any ingredients, if you weigh less than 30kg, or if you have reduced red blood cell count (anaemia) or white blood cell count (neutropenia).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are allergic to any other foods, dyes, preservatives or medicines. During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of taking Retrovir during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Immune System Changes: People with advanced HIV may develop symptoms of infection and inflammation when starting treatment as the immune system becomes stronger. Tell your doctor immediately if you get symptoms of infection or autoimmune disorders.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Retrovir and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Ribavirin Interaction: Taking ribavirin and Retrovir together may cause or worsen anaemia. Tell your doctor if you notice symptoms like tiredness and shortness of breath.
- Pain medicines (paracetamol, aspirin, codeine, morphine, methadone, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen)
- Epilepsy medicines (phenytoin)
- Anxiety and insomnia medicines (oxazepam, lorazepam)
- Cimetidine (heartburn, stomach ulcers)
- Clofibrate (high cholesterol)
- Probenecid (gout treatment)
- Antimicrobial medicines (pentamidine)
- Parasite infection medicines (pyrimethamine, dapsone)
- Atovaquone
- Antifungal medicines (amphotericin, flucytosine)
- Other antiviral medicines (ganciclovir, interferon)
- Clarithromycin (antibacterial)
- Cancer medicines (vincristine, vinblastine, doxorubicin)
- Ribavirin (may cause or worsen anaemia)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities requiring alertness until you know how Retrovir affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Retrovir affects you.
Storage
Store Retrovir below 30°C in the pack out of direct light. Keep this medicine in the pack until it is time to take it. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Retrovir, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retrovir works by slowing down HIV production in your body over time. You need to keep taking it every day to prevent your illness from getting worse, as it helps control your condition but does not cure HIV infection.
The medication guide indicates you should swallow the capsules with water, but does not specify whether to take with or without food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions about taking Retrovir with meals.
Do not stop taking Retrovir suddenly or change the dose without talking to your doctor. You need to keep taking it every day to stop your illness from getting worse, as Retrovir helps control your condition but does not cure HIV infection.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, your doctor will arrange regular blood tests to check for side effects and monitor the levels of red and white blood cells. If you develop anaemia or neutropenia, your doctor may reduce your dose or stop Retrovir.
Yes, treatment with Retrovir may cause loss of fat from the legs, arms and face (lipoatrophy). If this occurs, tell your doctor who will assess if you should stop taking Retrovir. If you stop, it may take several months to see any lost fat return and you might not regain it all.
While Retrovir lowers the risk, you can still pass on HIV through sexual activity or blood/bodily secretions. You should use proper precautions to prevent transmission. Discuss with your doctor the precautions needed to avoid infecting other people.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.