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Zidovudine, also known as Retrovir, is a medication used in the treatment of HIV, but it comes with important safety considerations that must be understood. Below are the potential risks, precautions, and actions you should take if you experience any concerning symptoms while on this medication:

• Blood and Bone Marrow Issues: Zidovudine can cause serious blood problems, such as anemia (a decrease in red blood cells) and neutropenia (a decrease in white blood cells), which are more common in individuals with advanced HIV. These conditions may necessitate blood transfusions or discontinuation of the medication. Regular blood tests will be conducted to monitor your blood counts. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of anemia like unusual fatigue, breathing difficulties, weakness, bluish nails or lips, pale skin, or a rapid heartbeat. Low white blood cell counts can increase your risk of severe infections, so contact your healthcare provider if you develop a persistent cough, fever, chills, breathing issues, or a sore throat.

• Muscle Problems: Prolonged use of zidovudine may lead to muscle pain, weakness, or myopathy. If you experience unexplained fatigue, muscle pain, or weakness throughout your body, inform your healthcare provider promptly.

• Liver Problems: Zidovudine can rarely cause severe liver issues and a metabolic disorder known as lactic acidosis, particularly in women and obese patients. Symptoms include persistent nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), rapid breathing, drowsiness, and muscle aches. Discontinue use and seek emergency medical care if these symptoms occur.

• Immune Reconstitution Syndrome: As your immune system recovers with zidovudine treatment, it may begin to fight existing infections, potentially causing significant inflammation. Your healthcare provider may check for infections before starting treatment. Contact your provider if you experience a fever, breathing difficulties, or sudden health changes after initiating zidovudine.

• Fat Redistribution: Some individuals on HIV antiretrovirals like zidovudine may experience changes in body fat distribution, such as increased fat in the abdomen and back and decreased fat in the face, arms, legs, and buttocks. Although the exact cause is unknown, switching medications may help, though changes may not be fully reversible.

In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Always adhere to your healthcare provider's instructions and keep all medical appointments to ensure the safe and effective use of zidovudine.

Common side effects:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Weakness or lack of energy
• Constipation

Serious side effects:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe fatigue
• Persistent muscle aches or weakness
• Severe headaches
• Joint pain
• Numbness and tingling in extremities
• Signs of infection (fever, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing)
• Changes in skin or fingernail color
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mood changes (depression or anxiety)
• Seizures
• Allergic reaction (rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Unusual changes in body fat distribution

Interactions with high risk of serious adverse effects and should be avoided:

• Orlistat
• Probenecid
• Ribavirin
• Stavudine
• Ganciclovir
• Dapsone
• Trimethoprim
• Doxorubicin
• Vincristine
• Cabotegravir
• Clarithromycin
• Pexidartinib
• Pyrimethamine
• Vinblastine

Interactions with moderate risk that may require dose adjustment, closer monitoring, or timing changes:

• Methadone
• Rifampin
• Phenytoin
• Valproic Acid
• Acetaminophen
• Fluconazole
• Interferon Beta-1a
• Nelfinavir
• Rifabutin
• Rifapentine
• Tipranavir