Zidovudine

Zidovudine should be avoided if you are allergic to it. It is advised not to take this medicine along with ganciclovir, interferon alpha, ritonavir, stavudine, daunorubicin, bleomycin, idarubicin, and epirubicin, as it can cause serious side effects. Hence, avoid using this medicine under such conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, hematological toxicity, anemia, hepatomegaly with steatosis, lactic Acidosis, and peripheral nephropathy, on priority. It is not known whether Zidovudine can be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant and breastfeeding before receiving Zidovudine. Zidovudine can be used in children only if recommended by the pediatrician. If prescribed, the child should be carefully monitored for any changes. Zidovudine is used to treat the infection but does not cure or prevent it. Zidovudine is used to treat the infection but does not cure or prevent it. This medicine is used in combination for the treatment of HIV infection. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence, avoid driving or operating machines while taking Zidovudine.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Zidovudine may interact with contraceptives (ethyl estradiol, norethindrone), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), antiretroviral drugs (stavudine, ritonavir), cytotoxic drugs (idarubicin, epirubicin, doxorubicin), antiviral medicine (ganciclovir).

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, hepatomegaly with steatosis, lactic acidosis, and peripheral nephropathy before starting treatment with Zidovudine.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Try to take lean protein and whole grains.
• Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
• Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
• Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
• Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
• Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
• Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.  

• Get an HIV test done at least every three months.
• Regular kidney and liver function and bone mineral density tests while taking Zidovudine are advised. 
• Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking Zidovudine.
• Zidovudine may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking Zidovudine should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.