| What is Retrovir?
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Retrovir is prescribed for adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Retrovir?
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Retrovir side effects may include cough, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, ear pain, discharge or swelling, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, fever, general feeling of illness, headache, loss of appetite, mouth sores, nausea, nasal discharge or congestion, rash, swollen lymph nodes,
and vomiting.
If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Less common Retrovir side effects may include anemia, anxiety, back pain, blood disorders, blood in urine, breast enlargement, change in sense of taste, chest pain, confusion, chills, constipation, decreased mental sharpness, decreased reflexes, depression, difficulty sleeping, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, dimness of vision, dizziness, drowsiness, exaggerated feeling of well-being, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, frequent urination, gas, hearing loss, heart failure, hepatitis, hives, indigestion, inflammation of the blood vessels, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the sinuses or nose, itching, irritability, joint pain, light intolerance, loss of sensation, mouth
discoloration, muscle pain, muscle spasm, nervousness, seizures, severe allergic reaction, skin eruptions and peeling, skin inflammation, stomach and intestinal cramps and pain, sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling from fluid in the tissues, swelling in the eye, sweating, swelling of the face and throat, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, weakness, weight loss, yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes,
and vertigo. |
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| How is Retrovir taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Retrovir provided by your doctor. Do not share this medication with anyone and do not exceed your recommended dosage. Take it at even intervals every 4 hours around the clock (children every 6 hours). If you are pregnant, take the drug 5 times a day.
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take
two doses at once. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Retrovir with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Retrovir. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Retrovir with
atovaquone, doxorubicin, fluconazole, ganciclovir, interferon, methadone,
nelfinavir, phenytoin, probenecid, ribavirin, rifampin, ritonavir,
stavudine, or valproic acid. Do not take Retrovir with combivir or
trizivir, which contain the same active ingredient. |
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| How should I store Retrovir?
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Store Retrovir at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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