Has a doctor prescribed Zidovudine to control your HIV status for you or someone close to you? It's normal to have some questions and concerns when starting a new medication. So today, let's talk about Zidovudine, or ZDV, in a very simple and friendly way. After reading this article, you will get answers to many of the questions you have in mind.
What is Zidovudine (ZDV)?
Simply put, Zidovudine is an antiretroviral drug . It is used to treat HIV infection. However, it is not a stand-alone drug, but is usually given in combination with several other drugs used for HIV.
The most important thing is that this medicine cannot completely cure HIV. But it does control the multiplication of the HIV virus in the body, that is, its spread. This gives your immune system a great boost and gives you the opportunity to live a healthy life. Also, when used correctly, this medicine can significantly reduce the risk of you spreading HIV to someone else, although it cannot completely eliminate it.
You may see this medicine in Sri Lanka under the brand name Retrovir.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. So, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Don't hide anything.
- Anemia: If you have anemia.
- Liver or kidney disease: If you have any liver or kidney disease, this medicine is eliminated from the body through these organs.
- Other blood problems: If you have been reported to have low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
- Alcohol use: If you drink alcohol, talk about it too.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is a must-mention.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Zidovudine, any other medicine, food, or dye.
How should I use the medicine?
The way this medicine is used is very important.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Swallow the tablet/capsule with a glass of water .
- You can take this before or after meals, but only if your doctor gives you specific instructions.
- Do not skip a dose of medication for any reason . Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. If you miss a dose, the HIV virus may become resistant to the medication. Then the medication will stop working and you will have to switch to another medication.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
If given to children:
This medicine is sometimes given to newborns (for example, to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV). But there are special precautions. So if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Zidovudine is a drug that can interact with some other medications. Below are some of these medications:
- doxorubicin
- fluconazole
- ganciclovir
- interferon
- phenytoin
- ribavirin
- stavudine (d4T)
- valproic acid
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and herbal remedies). It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical checkups: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor tells you to. Tell him or her if you develop any new symptoms.
- Blood tests: While taking this medication, you will need to have regular blood tests to check your blood counts. This is essential, so don't be lazy and get those tests done.
- Protection from infections: This medicine may cause problems with your blood, making you more susceptible to infections. It may also slow down the healing of wounds. So be careful not to injure yourself. Be careful not to injure your gums when brushing and flossing.
- Vitamin B12: This medication can decrease the level of vitamin B12 in the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you take, and if necessary, eat more foods containing vitamin B12 or take a supplement.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Zidovudine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Muscle pain | Unexplained severe muscle pain or weakness. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Other | Dizziness, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme fatigue, blistering/peeling of the skin or inside the mouth. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Headache | Appetite |
| Constipation | Changes in body shape, such as fat accumulation around the waist and back or thinning of the face, arms, and legs. |
If you notice any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from moisture.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Zidovudine is a drug that controls the HIV virus, but it is not a cure.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the appointed time, and without skipping any meals.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other illnesses you have.
- If you experience any serious side effects (especially liver problems, allergies, extreme fatigue), seek medical advice immediately.
- Never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice. This medication is very important for maintaining your health.
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