Retrovir is a medication that is used to treat the HIV infection in conjunction with other medicines. It is also used with other drugs to prevent HIV being passed on to an unborn child during pregnancy.
It works by blocking the reproductive capability of the HIV virus.
Tell your doctor if he prescribes Retrovir, especially if you have one of the following conditions. If you are pregnant, planning on it or nursing a child, if you are already on some other medication and herbal preparations, if you have any known allergies, if you have bone marrow problems or lactic acidosis, a history of alcohol and drug abuse, are on dialysis for kidney and liver problems, or if you have cirrhotic liver issues.
Retrovir can impact your immune system adversely. If you know anyone who has a cold or an infection, avoid them as much as you can. If you feel any infection symptoms, call your doctor.
Never stop using Retrovir unless your doctor allows you to. It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still get the symptoms and infections associated with HIV.
The medicine does not prevent the spread of HIV through contact. Never share needles or drugs with others. Use at least 2 barrier methods of contraception during sexual relations.
Do not share razors, toothbrushes and never allow your blood to come in contact with another person’s skin. Side effects of Retrovir can be made worse in people who are obese. They are also more common in women and patients who have used HIV medication for longer periods.
Some patients on Retrovir may experience acute changes in the body fat in their backs, necks and trunk. While the long-term effect of this isn’t known, talk to your doctor about them.
In some cases, Retrovir might improve the immune system, meaning that hidden infections can come to light. If you notice symptoms of infection, tell your doctor.
A possible disorder caused by Retrovir is Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a severe skin reaction. If you experience red, blistering and peeling skin, call an emergency hotline immediately.
Remember that Retrovir isn’t 100% effective in preventing HIV from passing to a fetus. It is also unknown whether the drug affects the child later on in life. Do not breastfeed with HIV or while on Retrovir.
Retrovir needs to be used exactly as your doctor has advised and prescribed to you. Check your medicine labels for the exact dosage. If you are getting the doses from your doctor, they will be delivered as injections at the hospital or the clinic.
Missed doses and overdoses
It is very important that you do not miss your Retrovir dosage. If you do miss one, call your doctor immediately to find out what to do from there. If you overdose, call your local poison hotline and emergency medical services in the area. Contact your doctor as well.
Common side effects of Retrovir include:
More serious side effects include:
Severe allergic reactions
Cramps and weakness
Fever, chills and a bad cough
Lactic acidosis symptoms
Lethargy and shortness of breath
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Jaundice, dark urine and pale stools
Call your doctor immediately if these side effects occur in you.
Do not use Retrovir if you have allergies to any of the ingredients. Do not take it if you are on:
Any medicine containing Zidovudine