Retrovir

Retrovir is used for:

Treating HIV infection when used along with other medicines. It is also used with other medicines to help prevent women from passing the HIV virus to the fetus during pregnancy.

Retrovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking the reproduction of the HIV virus.

Do NOT use Retrovir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Retrovir
• you have an enlarged liver, high lactic acid levels in the blood, or abnormal liver function tests
• you are taking doxorubicin, ribavirin, stavudine, or any medicine that contains zidovudine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Retrovir :

Some medical conditions may interact with Retrovir . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have bone marrow problems, low white blood cell levels, or liver or kidney problems
• if you are very overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Retrovir . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Zalcitabine because severe pancreas problems may occur
• Fluconazole, ganciclovir, interferon alfa, probenecid, valproic acid, or any medicine that contains zidovudine because they may increase the risk of Retrovir 's side effects
• Doxorubicin, ribavirin, or stavudine because they may decrease Retrovir 's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Retrovir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.