Simple FactSheet: zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir)

zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir)
a Simple FactSheet from the AIDS Treatment Data Network

||||| zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir) is a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor:

Zidovudine, trade name Retrovir (also known as AZT or ZDV) was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV. Retrovir is an anti-HIV treatment in a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The body breaks down these drugs into chemicals that stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, but they do not help cells that have already been infected with the virus. As people with HIV lose T4 cells - one of the immune systems main defenses - they become more likely to get infections and illnesses.

New Public Health Service HIV treatment guidelines say that the best way to use Retrovir is in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. The guidelines recommend combinations of three or four anti-HIV drugs as first treatment for HIV.

||||| Dosage

The lowest effective dose of Retrovir has not been determined, and the currently recommended dose is 300-600 mg per day. Retrovir is available in syrup form for children. There are also two new pills that combines Retrovir with other nucleoside analog drugs, making it easier to take. Combivir combines 150mg of lamivudine (Epivir) with 300mg of Retrovir. Trizivir contains the above plus 300 mg of abacavir (Ziagen). People who are allergic to abacavir should not take Trizivir. See the "abacavir (Ziagen)" FactSheet for detailed information about the potentially severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions associated with this drug.
||||| Side effects

Long-term Retrovir use is associated with loss of muscle. Other side effects can be anemia, white blood cell depression, lip, mouth and tongue sores, bone marrow damage, headaches, skin rash, itching, weakness, nervousness, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, confusion, loss of speech or appetite, muscle aches, fever or sweating, sore throat or abnormal bruising or bleeding. In African-Americans, Retrovir can cause changes in nail color.

Studies indicate that possible blood cell damage may be prevented or treated by taking vitamin E, epoeitin alpha (EPO) or G-CSF with this drug. Retrovir is best taken on an empty stomach. If you have stomach irritation, Retrovir may be taken with food. The capsules can be broken open and mixed with food right before eating if you have trouble swallowing. Nutritionists recommend taking manganese and B vitamins with this drug.
||||| Warnings:

A set of rare but serious side effects of nucleoside analog anti-HIV drugs is called lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (an enlarged fatty liver). Women, especially those who are oveweight, are particularly at risk. This set of side effects is probably the result of mitochondrial toxicity. Mitochondria are cell's power organs that supply the energy needed for normal cell growth. Anti-HIV nucleoside analogs impair the function of mitochondria. This can lead to increased acid levels in the blood, and an enlarged fatty liver. The symptoms are severe nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting that does not get better. If you are taking anti-HIV drugs and experience these symptoms, tell your provider immediately.
||||| Drug interactions

The antibiotic drugs rifabutin (Mycobutin) and rifampin can lower the amount of Retrovir in the blood. Retrovir should be used with caution in combination with other drugs that can suppress the bone marrow, such as ganciclovir. Retrovir and stavudine (d4T, Zerit) do not work well together and should not be combined.

Glaxo-Wellcome, who make zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir), have an assistance program to help people having difficulty affording the drug. Call (800) 722-9294 for more information.

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Last modified: 10/19/2006
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\|\|\|\|\| zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir) is a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor:
Zidovudine, trade name Retrovir (also known as AZT or ZDV) was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV. Retrovir is an anti-HIV treatment in a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The body breaks down these drugs into chemicals that stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, but they do not help cells that have already been infected with the virus. As people with HIV lose T4 cells - one of the immune systems main defenses - they become more likely to get infections and illnesses. New Public Health Service HIV treatment guidelines say that the best way to use Retrovir is in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. The guidelines recommend combinations of three or four anti-HIV drugs as first treatment for HIV.