Retrovir/Zidovudine IS USED FOR:

Treating HIV infection when used along with other medicines. It is also used with other medicines to help prevent women from passing the HIV virus to the fetus during pregnancy.

Zidovudine/Retrovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking the reproduction of the HIV virus.

BEFORE USING Retrovir/Zidovudine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Zidovudine/Retrovir . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are very overweight
• if you have bone marrow problems, low white blood cell levels, or liver or kidney problems
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zidovudine/Retrovir . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Zalcitabine because severe pancreas problems may occur
• Fluconazole/Diflucan, ganciclovir, interferon alfa, probenecid/Probalan, valproic acid, or any medicine that contains zidovudine/Retrovir because they may increase the risk of Zidovudine/Retrovir 's side effects
• Doxorubicin, ribavirin/Rebetol, or stavudine/Zerit because they may decrease Zidovudine/Retrovir 's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zidovudine/Retrovir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

HOW TO USE Retrovir/Zidovudine :

Use Zidovudine/Retrovir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Use Zidovudine/Retrovir on a regular schedule around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Zidovudine/Retrovir is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Zidovudine/Retrovir at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• It is important not to miss doses of Zidovudine/Retrovir . If you miss a dose of Zidovudine/Retrovir , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
• Continue to use Zidovudine/Retrovir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If Zidovudine/Retrovir contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zidovudine/Retrovir .

DO NOT USE Retrovir/Zidovudine IF:

• you are taking doxorubicin, ribavirin/Rebetol, stavudine/Zerit, or any medicine that contains zidovudine/Retrovir
• you have an enlarged liver, high lactic acid levels in the blood, or abnormal liver function tests
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zidovudine/Retrovir

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Retrovir/Zidovudine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache; loss of appetite; nausea; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chills; dark urine; drowsiness; fast breathing; fever; muscle pain or aches; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; shortness of breath; sore throat; stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• PREGNANT WOMEN: Zidovudine/Retrovir may not always prevent you from passing the HIV virus to the fetus. It is unknown how Zidovudine/Retrovir may affect the baby later in life. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Do not take more of Zidovudine/Retrovir than directed without checking with your doctor. Do not take Zidovudine/Retrovir for longer than directed without checking with your doctor.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood count, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Zidovudine/Retrovir may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Contact your doctor if any signs of infection occur, such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Zidovudine/Retrovir during pregnancy. Zidovudine/Retrovir is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zidovudine/Retrovir . HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Zidovudine/Retrovir .
• Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Zidovudine/Retrovir . The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Zidovudine/Retrovir does not prevent you from giving HIV to other people through contact with blood or through sex. Use a barrier form of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV. Do not share needles, other injection supplies, or personal items (eg, toothbrush, razor).
• Zidovudine/Retrovir is not a cure for HIV infection. You may also still have infections or other illnesses that occur along with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.