RETROVIR® (zidovudine)

RETROVIR in combination with other antiretroviral agents is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection. RETROVIR does not cure HIV infection/AIDS or prevent passing HIV to others.

Important Safety Information

RETROVIR, like other HIV medicines, can cause a condition called lactic acidosis and severe liver problems. Lactic acidosis occurs when acid builds up in the blood, which can affect how the body functions. In some cases, lactic acidosis can cause death. Nausea and tiredness that don't get better may be symptoms of lactic acidosis
Make sure to see your doctor regularly because other serious side effects can occur, such as muscle damage and a decrease in red and/or white blood cells, especially in patients with advanced HIV or AIDS
Worsening of liver disease (sometimes resulting in death) has occurred in patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis C virus who are taking anti-HIV medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon with or without ribavirin. If you are taking RETROVIR as well as interferon with or without ribavirin, and you experience side effects, be sure to tell your doctor
When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger and may begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body, such as pneumonia, herpes virus, or tuberculosis. If you have new symptoms after starting your HIV medicines, be sure to tell your doctor
Changes in body fat may occur in some patients taking antiretroviral therapy. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck ("buffalo hump"), breast, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also occur. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time
The most common side effects with RETROVIR were headache, weakness or tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting
These are not all the side effects you could have when taking this medicine. Your healthcare professional can talk to you about these and other side effects with RETROVIR
Tell your doctor promptly about any side effects or other unusual symptoms you may experience

See the full Prescribing Information for RETROVIR