Product Details: Retrovir (Zidovudine)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antiviral used to manage human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). It is also used to prevent the transmission of HIV to the fetus during pregnancy.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. USE THIS MEDICINE ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.

Cautions

WARNING: This medicine has caused severe, even fatal, liver and blood problems (such as lactic acidosis, granulocytopenia, or anemia), especially in people with advanced HIV infection. Prolonged use of zidovudine has caused muscle aches similar to those produced by HIV. Notify your doctor immediately if you have: dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal or stomach pain, unusual fatigue, muscle aches, rapid breathing, drowsiness, symptoms of infection such as persistent fever or sore throat. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking combivir, trizivir, doxorubicin, ribavirin, or stavudine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ganciclovir, probenecid, phenytoin, interferon alfa, or zalcitabine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver problems (such as abnormal liver function test or enlarged liver) or if you have a history of lactic acidosis. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including complete blood counts may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SPREADING HIV through sexual contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT PREVENT OTHER INFECTIONS. If your health changes, check with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, or muscle pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience sore throat; chills; fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; or unusual tiredness or weakness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; or severe stomach or back pain with nausea and vomiting. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Zidovudine