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Zidovudine Coupon - Zidovudine 300mg tablet

zidovudine

Generic Retrovir
Used for HIV Treatment
Used for HIV Treatment

Zidovudine (Retrovir) is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. It's not a first-choice option for most people due to side effects.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 1, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Zidovudine (Retrovir)?

What is Zidovudine (Retrovir) used for?

  • HIV treatment

  • Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT)

How Zidovudine (Retrovir) works

Zidovudine (Retrovir) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It inserts itself into the virus's DNA by pretending to be a DNA building block, but actually stops the DNA-making process. When this happens, the HIV virus can't make copies of itself.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRetrovir
Drug ClassHIV ARV
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Zidovudine (Retrovir)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (63%)
  • Fatigue and discomfort (53%)
  • Nausea (51%)
  • Anorexia (20%)
  • Vomiting (17%)

Other Side Effects

  • Weakness/lack of energy
  • Constipation

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

chills

cough

feeling of fullness

fever

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

right upper abdominal pain and fullness

sore throat

stomach pain

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen lymph nodes

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Confusion

diarrhea

fast, shallow breathing

general feeling of discomfort

loss of appetite

mood or mental changes

muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramping

nausea

seizures

sleepiness

stomach discomfort

Incidence not known

Back or leg pain

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine

blurred vision or other change in vision

bone pain

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

clay-colored stools

constipation

dark urine

decreased appetite

decreased urine output

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty in moving

difficulty in swallowing

dilated neck veins

dizziness

extreme tiredness or weakness

fainting

fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

general body swelling

general tiredness and weakness

headache

high fever

hives, skin rash

hoarseness

increased need to urinate

indigestion

irregular breathing

irritation or soreness of the mouth

joint or muscle pain

lack of coordination

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

light-colored stools

muscle pain, cramp, spasm, or stiffness

nosebleeds

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

passing urine more often

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

redness, soreness, or itching skin

runny nose

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

shivering

sores, welts, or blisters

stabbing pain

sweating

swollen joints

swollen or painful glands

tightness in the chest

trouble sleeping

unexplained bleeding or bruising

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting

vomiting of blood

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Difficulty having a bowel movement

headache (severe)

lack or loss of strength

muscle soreness

weight loss

Less common

Bluish-brown colored bands on nails

changes in skin color

Incidence not known

Belching

heartburn

stomach cramps

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Zidovudine (Retrovir)

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Pros

Passes through the placenta of pregnant women to protect the baby from HIV

Safe and effective for children and infants

Available as capsule, oral solution, and IV

Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets

One of the most affordable generic HIV ARVs currently available

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Cons

Can cause serious blood, muscle, and liver problems

Needs to be taken multiple times a day

Dose needs to be adjusted for people with kidney problems

Some people experience fat loss in their face, limbs, and butt

Not a good HIV ARV option if you are going to be treated with ribavirin for hepatitis C

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Zidovudine (Retrovir)

pharmacist

  • It's best to take this medication at the same time everyday. It can be taken with or without food.

    • Have your labs drawn when your provider orders them. They will use your lab results to check if the medication is working and to see if you are having side effects.

      • The oral solution should be stored at room temperature.

        • For people with severe kidney problems, your dose will be lowered to 100 mg but you will need to take the medication more often, typically every 6 or 8 hours.

          • Tell your healthcare providers about all the medications that you take. Zidovudine (Retrovir) doesn't interact with too many medications, but some of the potential interactions can have serious results.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Zidovudine (Retrovir)

            When should I take zidovudine (Retrovir)?
            Most people will take zidovudine (Retrovir) twice a day. To keep the amount of medication in your body consistent, it's best to take each dose 12 hours apart from each other. It can be taken with or without food, so pick any two times of the day you are usually awake, such as 9 am and 9 pm.
            Who should not use zidovudine (Retrovir)?
            Due to the potential side effects, zidovudine (Retrovir) is not a good option for people who have anemia or other blood-related problems. People who have a history of allergic reactions or resistance to zidovudine (Retrovir) should also not take this medication.
            Can I breastfeed while taking zidovudine (Retrovir)?
            It's not recommended for mothers with HIV to breastfeed. This is because the virus can be passed to the baby in breastmilk.
            What disease is the drug AZT used for?
            AZT is a commonly used 3 letter acronym to refer to zidovudine (Retrovir). It is used only for HIV.
            Is zidovudine (Retrovir) still used?
            Yes, zidovudine (Retrovir) is still used by many people throughout the world. It's not a first-choice option for people starting HIV ARV therapy, but many people have chosen to stay on zidovudine (Retrovir) since it works well for them.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Zidovudine (Retrovir)?

            Zidovudine (Retrovir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS

            • Risk factors: Advanced HIV | Anemia | Neutropenia

              Zidovudine (Retrovir) can cause bone marrow problems, which can lead to anemia and affect your immune system. These effects are more serious when people already have some type of low blood count or advanced HIV. Your provider will draw blood tests regularly to check your blood count. If your numbers become too low, they may lower your dose or recommend switching to a different HIV ARV.

              risk-warning

              MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS

              • Risk factors: Extended use of zidovudine (Retrovir)

                Taking zidovudine (Retrovir) for a long time can lead to muscle pain or weakness. Talk to your provider right away if you have unexplained fatigue and muscle pain or weakness all over your body.

                risk-warning

                LIVER PROBLEMS

                • Risk factors: Liver disease | Women | Obesity

                  Although rare, NRTIs including zidovudine (Retrovir) can cause a life-threatening liver problem called lactic acidosis with hepatic steatosis. Most of the cases have been in women. Symptoms include appetite loss, stomach pain, muscle pain, fast and shallow breathing, extreme tiredness, and sudden weakness. Stop taking zidovudine (Retrovir) and go to the emergency room right away if this happens.

                  risk-warning

                  IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

                  • Risk factors: Weakened immune system | Current untreated infection

                    HIV attacks your immune system. Over time, if the virus isn't treated your body may become defenseless against bacterial and fungal infections. Your HIV medications are very good at killing the virus, and when the number of viruses goes down, your immune system starts making more cells. Once your immune system gets better, it will start to fight off any infections you might have, which can lead to a lot of inflammation. Even though it's a good thing that your immune system is getting better, too much inflammation can be bad. Your healthcare provider might check for underlying infections (sometimes called opportunistic infections) before starting zidovudine (Retrovir) especially if it is your first time taking HIV medications. Call your provider if you experience fever, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes to your health after starting zidovudine (Retrovir).

                    risk-warning

                    FAT REDISTRIBUTION

                    • Risk factors: Taking HIV ARVs

                      Some people taking HIV ARVs, including zidovudine (Retrovir) have noticed changes to the way fat is located in the body. This might be more fat in the abdomen and upper back, and less fat in the face, arms, legs, and buttocks. Scientists and health care providers don't really know why this happens. Switching to a different HIV ARV can help, even if the change isn't 100% reversible.

                      dosage

                      Zidovudine (Retrovir) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 60 tablets of 300mg of Zidovudine (Retrovir) is $30.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.16% off the average retail price of $159.24.
                      bottle of syrup
                      Bottle of syrup
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      240ml of 50mg/5ml1 bottle$21.68$21.68
                      capsule
                      Capsule
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      100mg15 capsules$13.21$0.88
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      300mg60 tablets$30.00$0.50

                      Typical dosing for Zidovudine (Retrovir)

                      HIV treatment:

                      • Adults: The typical dose is 300 mg twice daily

                      • Children: The dose is based on the child's weight and can be taken 2 or 3 times a day

                      Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT):

                      • Mother: 100 mg orally 5 times a day until the start of labor, the medication is given IV during labor until the umbilical cord is cut

                      • Child: Weight-based dose (IV or oral) starting 12 hours after birth until 6 weeks old

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Zidovudine (Retrovir) and other drugs

                      Zidovudine (Retrovir) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Zidovudine (Retrovir). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Zidovudine (Retrovir) cost?

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                      Retrovir (brand)
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                      $13.21

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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Zidovudine (Retrovir)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zidovudine (Retrovir). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Zidovudine (Retrovir)
                      Used for:

                      • HIV treatment

                      • Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT)

                      $13.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide)
                      Used for:

                      • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in people ages 6 years and older weighing at least 55 lbs

                      $1476.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Lamivudine (Epivir)
                      Used for:

                      • Treatment of HIV infection for people ages 3 months and older - brand and generic Epivir only

                      • Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B for people ages 2 years and older - brand and generic Epivir HBV only

                      $122.97 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                      Zidovudine (Retrovir) images

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                      White Round D And 11 - Zidovudine 300mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "D" And "11".White Round D And 11 - Zidovudine 300mg Tablet

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