Retrovir Oral

Who is Retrovir Oral for ?

Retrovir Oral is used alone or with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Retrovir Oral will slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. Retrovir Oral is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Retrovir Oral does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people except when given to HIV-positive pregnant women. Retrovir Oral is given to HIV-positive pregnant women to prevent the infection from going to the baby. However, HIV infection may still occur in the infant despite this treatment. Retrovir Oral is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Retrovir Oral also is used to treat health care workers and other individuals exposed to HIV infection after accidental contact with HIV-contaminated blood, tissues, or other body fluids. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Retrovir Oral for your condition.

When should I be careful taking Retrovir Oral ?

Retrovir Oral can cause severe side effects, such as liver damage, blood toxicities, and muscle disorders. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: unusual breathing, shortness of breath, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin, fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin, pale stools, muscle weakness, lack of strength, or muscle pain. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Retrovir Oral.

Before taking Retrovir Oral,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Retrovir Oral or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen, acyclovir (Zovirax), aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), fluconazole (Diflucan), foscarnet (Foscavir), ganciclovir (Cytovene), indomethacin (Indocin), interferon, lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), probenecid (Benemid), valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, any disease or swelling of the muscles, anemia, a history of alcohol abuse, or bleeding or other blood problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Retrovir Oral, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Retrovir Oral Side Effects

Side effects from Retrovir Oral are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea or loose stools
• constipation
• headache
• dizziness
• sleepiness or difficulty sleeping

If you experience the following symptom, or any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• rash