In this Article

• What is zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• What are the possible side effects of zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• What is the most important information I should know about zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• How should I use zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Retrovir IV)?
• What happens if I overdose (Retrovir IV)?
• What should I avoid while using zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• What other drugs will affect zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Retrovir IV)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Retrovir IV)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a zidovudine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, or weakness.

What should I avoid while using zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while using zidovudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the liver.

Using zidovudine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What other drugs will affect zidovudine injection (Retrovir IV)?

Before using zidovudine, tell your doctor if you are also using:

• atovaquone (Mepron);
• doxorubicin (Adriamycin);
• fluconazole (Diflucan);
• ganciclovir (Cytovene);
• interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron);
• methadone (Dolophine, Methadose);
• nelfinavir (Viracept);
• phenytoin (Dilantin);
• probenecid (Benemid);
• ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole);
• ritonavir (Norvir); or
• stavudine (Zerit).

There may be other drugs that can affect zidovudine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about zidovudine written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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