Zidovudine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Retrovir, Apo-Zidovudine, Novo-AZT, AZT
Category
DescriptionZidovudine (zye-DOE-vue-deen) (also known as AZT) is used in combination with
other anti-virus medicines in the treatment of the infection caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine is used to slow the progression of disease
in patients infected with HIV who have advanced symptoms, early symptoms, or
no symptoms at all. This medicine also is used to help prevent pregnant women
who have HIV from passing the virus to their babies during pregnancy and at
birth.
Zidovudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps
keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune
system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS
or HIV disease. Zidovudine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people.
People who receive this medicine may continue to have the problems usually related
to AIDS or HIV disease.
Zidovudine may cause some serious side effects, including bone marrow problems.
Symptoms of bone marrow problems include fever, chills, or sore throat; pale
skin; and unusual tiredness or weakness. These problems may require blood transfusions
or temporarily stopping treatment with zidovudine. Check with your doctor
if any new health problems or symptoms occur while you are taking zidovudine
.
Zidovudine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following
dosage forms:
Oral
- Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Parenteral
- Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
- Apo-Zidovudine
- Novo-AZT
- Retrovir
Another commonly used name is AZT .
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