Retrovir is an antiviral used to treat HIV. It may be given to women with HIV to prevent passing the virus to the fetus. Retrovir is not a cure for HIV/AIDS and may be used for other purposes not referenced on this page.

Always follow the medication guidelines, your doctor's instructions, and your dosage amount instructions exactly. Keep medication out of reach from children and pets.

• The injection version of this medication is given as an infusion into a vein; it will be injected by a healthcare provider if oral administration is not possible
• The oral version of this medication can be taken with or without food
• Measure liquid medication with care, especially for babies; use dosing device provided
• Retrovir dosages are based on weight in children; contact your doctor if your child's weight increases/decreases
• Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture
• If you miss a dose, take the skipped dose as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose

General precautions:

• Retrovir can lower blood cell count, which may put you at risk for an infection or cause you to feel unusually tired
• Retrovir can cause severe and life-threatening effects on the liver
• Do not breastfeed even if you take this medication; HIV can still get passed to the baby
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Retrovir does not prevent HIV from spreading; practice safer sex, do not share razors and toothbrushes, do not share drugs or needles
• Mild symptoms of Lactic Acidosis can worsen over time, and it is fatal, so seek emergency help if you experience symptoms (see below)

Before starting this medication, inform your doctor if you have experienced the following:

• Liver disease, especially Hepatitis C
• Kidney disease
• Muscle problems
• Latex allergiy
• Bone marrow suppression
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Pregnant
• If you consume large quantities of alcohol

Do not use this medication if you are:

• Allergic to it
• Taking medication that contains stauvine

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• An overdose
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, breathing difficulty, swollen face/lips/tongue/throat
• Symptoms of Lactic Acidosis, such as: muscle pain, breathing difficulty, stomach pain, dizziness, cold sensations, fatigue, weakness
• Symptoms of a severe skin reaction, such as: fever, sore throat, burning sensation in eyes, pain in skin, red/purple rash that spreads and causes blisters and peeling

Contact your doctor right away if:

• You experience symptoms such as: fever, flu-like symptoms, unusual fatigue, mouth sores, pale skin, cold hands/feet, upper stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin
• Symptoms of low blood cell count, such as: fever, chills, fatigue, mouth/skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold sensation in hands/feet, lightheadedness, shortness of breath
• Liver problems, such as: midsection area swelling, pain in right-upper stomach, dark urine, clay colored stools, yellowign of skin/eyes

Interactions:

• Tell your doctor about all medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements, vitamins, and recreational drugs

The precautionary information here is not exhaustive. Other effects can occur. Talk to your doctor about how this information relates to you.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Fever, malaise
• Cough
• Nausea, vomiting, appetite loss
• Loss of body fat, especially in arms/legs/face/buttocks

Discuss with your doctor side effects such as:

• Symptoms of a new infection, such as: fever, night sweating, swollen glands, cold sores, coughing and wheezing, weight loss, diarrhea
• Problems speaking/swallowing, balance and eye movement issues, weakness and prickly sensations
• Enlarged thyroid (a swollen neck or throat), changes in menstruation, erectile dysfunction

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

(see Cautions)

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

(see Cautions)

Please note that the information on this page is not exhaustive. Other effects may occur. Please consult with your doctor about the relevance of this page to your unique circumstances.