Zidovudine (AZT)
Antiviral / antiretroviral
What it is used for
HIV in adults and children with progressive or advance immunodeficiency. (T-helper cell counts of less than 500/mm3). Used in combination with other ARVs. Clinical selection for Zidovudine (AZT) should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC. Class context: Antiviral / antiretroviral. Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Warnings
Adherence critical for ART to prevent resistance. Screen HLA-B*5701 before abacavir. Monitor renal bone parameters with TDF. IRIS after ART initiation. Aciclovir: hydrate to reduce crystalluria.
Possible side effects
Agent-specific: GI, rash, CNS (efavirenz), hyperbilirubinaemia (atazanavir), renal/bone (TDF), anaemia (ZDV), hypersensitivity (ABC).
Storage
Store as labelled. Keep out of reach of children.
No reviewed patient-education article is available. The fields shown are from the currently verified medicine record and unavailable fields are not inferred.