Retrovir
Retrovir is used to treat HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus) by reducing the amount of virus in the body and increasing protective white blood cells.
Form
kapseli, kova
Strength
250 mg
Active Ingredient
Zidovudine
Manufacturer
ViiV Healthcare BV
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose for adults and children weighing at least 28 kg is 250 mg, taken twice a day.
Method
Swallow the capsules whole with water, typically 12 hours apart.
Important
The maximum daily dose is typically 500 mg, taken as 250 mg twice a day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Stomach aches
- •Dizziness
- •Muscle aches
- •General feeling of being unwell
- •Low red blood cell count (anemia) or white blood cell count (neutropenia)
- •Increased liver enzyme levels
- •Increased bilirubin levels, which can make your skin yellowish
RARE
- •Rash (red, raised, or itchy skin)
- •Shortness of breath
- •Fever
- •Generalized aches and pains
- •Gas or flatulence
- •Weakness
- •Decreased blood clotting cells (thrombocytopenia) or all types of blood cells (pancytopenia)
- •Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood)
- •Liver diseases (like jaundice, enlarged liver, or fatty liver)
- •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- •Chest pain; heart muscle disease
- •Convulsions (seizures)
- •Depression, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, drowsiness
- •Indigestion, loss of appetite, taste changes
- •Changes in color of nails, skin, or inside of mouth
- •Flu-like symptoms (chills, sweating, cough)
- •Tingling or numbness in the skin
- •Increased urination frequency
- •Breast enlargement in men
- •Decrease in a specific type of red blood cells (pure red cell aplasia)
- •Bone marrow failure to produce new blood cells (aplastic anemia)
Important Warnings
- Do not take Retrovir if you are allergic to zidovudine or any other ingredients.
- Do not take Retrovir if you have very low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) or red blood cell counts (anemia).
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, including hepatitis B or C.
- Tell your doctor if you are significantly overweight, especially if you are a woman.
- Do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Show 1 more warnings
- Do not stop taking Retrovir unless your doctor tells you to.