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NUCLEOSIDE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR (NRTI)
Retrovir (zidovudine) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with other antiretroviral medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children ages 4 weeks and older.
Retrovir is a type of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV-1 uses to make copies of its genetic material.
Doctors prescribe Retrovir when treating HIV-1 infection with other antiretroviral medicines. It is also used to help prevent HIV-1 from passing from a mother to a baby.
HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Retrovir is available as capsules, an oral solution, and an intravenous (IV) injection. Zidovudine is also available from generic manufacturers in forms that include tablets, capsules, and oral solution.
For adults with HIV-1, the recommended oral dose of Retrovir is 300 milligrams twice daily with other antiretroviral medicines.
If oral treatment cannot be used, the recommended IV dose is 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight, given over one hour every four hours. IV treatment is used only until oral treatment can be given.
For children ages 4 weeks to less than 18 years, the oral dose is based on body weight:
The pediatric dose can also be based on body surface area. The recommended total dose is 480 milligrams per square meter per day, given as 240 milligrams per square meter twice daily or 160 milligrams per square meter three times daily.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
For prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission, the recommended maternal dose is 100 milligrams by mouth five times daily until labor begins.
During labor and delivery, Retrovir is given by IV infusion. The recommended dose is 2 milligrams per kilogram of total body weight over one hour, followed by a continuous infusion of 1 milligram per kilogram per hour until the umbilical cord is clamped.
For newborns, treatment should begin within 12 hours after birth and continue through six weeks of age. The recommended oral dose is 2 milligrams per kilogram every six hours. If oral dosing cannot be used, the recommended IV dose is 1.5 milligrams per kilogram over 30 minutes every six hours.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Retrovir, the most common side effects varied by the group studied and the treatment they received.
Side effects in adults included:
Side effects in children included:
Side effects in newborns treated to help prevent maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission included:
Retrovir can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
The ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may provide Retrovir at no cost to eligible people. People who are uninsured or have Medicare may qualify if they meet other program requirements. People enrolled in Medicaid, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), other federal or state government-funded health plans besides Medicare, or alternate funding programs are not eligible.
To learn more, visit the ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program or call 844-588-3288.
Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to zidovudine or any ingredient in Retrovir.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have low blood cell counts or bone marrow problems. Retrovir can cause anemia (a low red blood cell count) and neutropenia (a low level of certain white blood cells). Your healthcare provider may check your blood counts during treatment.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney or liver problems. Dose adjustment and closer monitoring may be needed.
Do not take Retrovir if you have had a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to zidovudine or any ingredient in the medicine. Serious reactions may include anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Some medicines may interact with Retrovir:
Do not miss doses or let your supply of Retrovir run out. Missing doses may allow the amount of HIV-1 in your blood to increase and may make the virus harder to treat.
If you miss a dose of Retrovir, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double your next dose or take more than the prescribed dose.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your healthcare provider.
A pregnancy registry tracks pregnancy outcomes in people exposed to Retrovir. Healthcare providers can register pregnancies through the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry or by calling 800-258-4263.
Do not breastfeed while taking Retrovir. The prescribing information also advises people with HIV-1 not to breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to a baby through breast milk.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Retrovir for HIV?
In one study of adults with HIV-1, AIDS-defining events or death occurred in 6.1 percent of adults receiving a three-drug treatment that included Retrovir, compared with 10.9 percent of adults receiving a two-drug treatment. In a study of children with HIV-1, disease progression or death occurred in 6.4 percent of children treated with lamivudine plus zidovudine, compared with 15.7 percent of children treated with didanosine alone.
Older studies also found that Retrovir used alone reduced the risk of HIV-1 disease progression compared with a placebo (an inactive treatment). However, the benefit of using Retrovir alone was time-limited. Retrovir is indicated for use with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1.
How long does Retrovir take to work for HIV?
The prescribing information does not give an exact amount of time for HIV treatment benefits to begin. After Retrovir is taken by mouth, zidovudine is absorbed quickly, and peak blood levels are reached in about 0.5 to 1.5 hours. However, this does not show how quickly treatment begins to improve HIV-related outcomes.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Retrovir for HIV?
Your healthcare provider may check your blood counts during treatment with Retrovir. Frequent blood counts are strongly recommended for people with poor bone marrow function, especially those with advanced HIV-1. Periodic blood counts are recommended for people with early or asymptomatic HIV-1.
A drop in hemoglobin may happen as early as two to four weeks, and neutropenia may occur after six to eight weeks. If you have liver problems, frequent monitoring for blood-related side effects is also advised.
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