How does it work?

Zidovudine (also known as azidothymidine or AZT), is a medicine used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, the body cannot fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it multiplies. When viruses multiply the genetic material is copied (this involves the conversion of RNA to DNA). Zidovudine works by interfering with this copying process. It blocks an essential enzyme (called reverse transcriptase) which is essential for the copying process, therefore the virus can't multiply. There is no cure for HIV, but zidovudine is one of a number of medications that slows the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. Zidovudine is used in conjunction with other anti-HIV drugs to prevent resistance occurring. In pregnant women with HIV, zidovudine is used on its own without other medications to try and prevent transmission of HIV to the baby. It is also given to the baby once born, to treat any HIV infection that might have been passed to it from the mother during delivery.

What is it used for?

HIV infection

Used alone for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly

High acid levels in the blood and tissues (acidosis)

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Not to be used in

Anaemia

New born infants with high levels of bilirubin (jaundice) requiring treatment other than phototherapy (light therapy) or whose liver transaminase enzymes are five times greater than normal

People with low levels of a type of white blood cell (neutrophil) in the blood

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended that women infected with the HIV virus must not breastfeed their infants under any circumstances, in order to avoid transmission of the virus to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Tiredness

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Fever (pyrexia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Loss of appetite

Decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (leucopenia)

Decrease in the number of a type of white blood cell (neutrophil) in the blood (neutropenia)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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