Zidovudine is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is also used to prevent HIV-positive mothers from passing HIV to their unborn babies.
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Zidovudine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Zidovudine is available as a capsule, tablet, oral solution, and syrup.
If you are taking capsules or tablets, swallow them whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking an oral solution or a syrup, use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Zidovudine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Zidovudine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have any blood disorders, such as very low white blood cell count or red blood cell count in the body, as Zidovudine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Zidovudine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function test, cholesterol levels, amount of HIV in a blood sample) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs of infections, liver problems, and loss of fat under the skin may also be needed.
Zidovudine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, and loss of appetite.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- deep, rapid, or difficult breathing, fast or abnormal heartbeat, severe nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, severe dizziness, feeling cold, muscle cramps or pain, severe weakness or tiredness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- stiff joints, difficulty moving, bone aches or pain in the hip, knee or shoulder
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for HIV infections e.g. stavudine
- medicines for hepatitis C infection e.g. ribavirin, interferon alfa
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole
- medicines for cancer e.g. vincristine, vinblastine, doxorubicin
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin, valproic acid
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin
- ganciclovir (medicine to treat viral infection)
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zidovudine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the capsules from moisture.
The oral solution should be used within 1 month after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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