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What happens if I miss a dose (Retrovir)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Retrovir)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, or weakness.

What should I avoid while taking zidovudine (Retrovir)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking zidovudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the liver.

Taking zidovudine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What other drugs will affect zidovudine (Retrovir)?

Before taking zidovudine, tell your doctor if you are also using:

• atovaquone (Mepron);
• doxorubicin (Adriamycin);
• fluconazole (Diflucan);
• ganciclovir (Cytovene);
• interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron);
• methadone (Dolophine, Methadose);
• nelfinavir (Viracept);
• phenytoin (Dilantin);
• probenecid (Benemid);
• ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole);
• ritonavir (Norvir); or
• stavudine (Zerit).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with zidovudine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about zidovudine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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