what lab report to provider in patient taking zidovudine?

by Gilda Bednar 8 min read

Zidovudine - Patient | NIH - HIV.gov

31 hours ago Zidovudine comes as a capsule, tablet, and syrup to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day by adults and two to three times a day by infants and children. Infants 6 weeks of age and younger may take zidovudine every 6 hours. When zidovudine is taken by pregnant women, it may be taken 5 times a day. >> Go To The Portal


What should a nurse do if a patient is treated with zidovudine?

A patient who is treated with zidovudine develops blistering rashes, fever, and myalgia. What should the nurse do first? Ask the patient to take bed rest. Administer antipyretic medications. Administer antihistamine medications. Inform the primary health care provider. Inform the primary health care provider.

What should I know about zidovudine before taking it?

Contact your health care provider if you develop tiredness, muscle pain, or weakness. Zidovudine can cause blood disorders such as very low number of red blood cells (severe anemia) or lower than normal number of white blood cells (neutropenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood count checked while you're taking zidovudine.

How often should CBCS be checked with zidovudine?

Determine CBCs and indices of anemia (e.g., hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume) prior to and monitor frequently during zidovudine therapy, especially in patients with advanced HIV disease. Some experts recommend measuring CBCs with differentials 2–8 weeks after initiation of zidovudine treatment and every 3–6 months thereafter.

What is the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in pediatric patients?

Zidovudine pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients >3 months of age similar to that in adults; bioavailability is 61% in infants 14 days to 3 months of age and 65% in pediatric patients 3 months to 12 years of age. Bioavailability is greater in neonates ≤14 days of age and is reported to be 89%.

What should I monitor with zidovudine?

Zidovudine may decrease the number of certain cells in your blood, including red and white blood cells. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low number of any type of blood cells or any blood disorders such as anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) or bone marrow problems.

What is the most common adverse effect of zidovudine?

Zidovudine may cause blood and bone marrow problems. Symptoms of bone marrow problems include fever, chills, sore throat pale skin, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These problems may require blood transfusions or temporarily stopping treatment with zidovudine.

What are the indication of zidovudine?

Indications for: Zidovudine HIV-1 infection, in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission.

Which of the following side effects of zidovudine Retrovir presents the most serious consequences?

Hematologic Toxicity/Bone Marrow Suppression In patients with advanced symptomatic HIV-1 disease, anemia and neutropenia were the most significant adverse events observed.

Does zidovudine cause anemia?

The most common adverse effects of Zidovudine include bone marrow suppression (Anemia and Neutropenia), nausea, malaise, myalgia, insomnia and headache. Bone marrow toxicity appears to be more common in those patients with advanced disease and is related to dose and duration of the treatment.

Can zidovudine cause aplastic anemia?

This calls for adequate evaluation and monitoring of patients on this drug. Its major side effect of anaemia limits its use in some patients. We report a case of Zidovudine induced anaemia and bone marrow aplasia in a patient infected with HIV.

What enzyme does zidovudine inhibit?

Zidovudine is phosphorylated to active metabolites that compete for incorporation into viral DNA. They inhibit the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme competitively and act as a chain terminator of DNA synthesis.

What is the action of zidovudine?

Zidovudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs. Zidovudine is used in pregnant women to prevent passing the HIV virus to the unborn baby. This medication is also used in newborns born to mothers infected with HIV to prevent infection in the newborns.

Which ARV drug causes anemia?

However, Zidovudine (ZDV), an element of some ART regimens and one of the first-line antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV infected adults in low resource countries (11), is identified as the commonest cause of drug associated anemia (12,13).

How do you know if zidovudine is working?

You will need to have regular blood tests to check how well your medicines are working. It is important that you continue to take zidovudine and your other antiretroviral treatment regularly. This will help to prevent the HIV from becoming resistant to the medicines you are taking.

How does AZT cause anemia?

AZT also causes bone marrow suppression, which causes anemia. Bone marrow toxicity appears to be more common in those patients with advanced disease and related to dose and duration of the treatment. All of these conditions were generally found to be reversible upon reduction of AZT dosages.

What are the side effects of nevirapine?

The commonest side effects experienced by people taking nevirapine are rash, nausea, fatigue, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. People taking nevirapine may also develop a low level of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Why is zidovudine given to pregnant women?

Zidovudine is given to HIV-positive pregnant women to reduce the chance of passing the infection to the baby. Zidovudine is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood.

What are the side effects of Zidovudine?

Zidovudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 stomach pain or cramps 2 heartburn 3 diarrhea (especially in children) 4 constipation 5 headache 6 difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

What medications are used for cancer?

Be sure to mention any of the following: chemotherapy medications for cancer, doxorubicin (Doxil), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Valcyte), interferon alfa, ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere), and stavudine (Zerit). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

What is the phone number to call for poison control?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What to do if you are tired from zidovudine?

Call your doctor if you have tiredness, muscle pain, or weakness. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to zidovudine. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking zidovudine.

Can you take Zidovudine more often?

Take zidovudine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribe d by your doctor. Your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment if you experience serious side effects. Zidovudine controls HIV infection but does not cure it. Continue to take zidovudine even if you feel well.

Does zidovudine cause stomach pain?

Zidovudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: stomach pain or cramps. heartburn. diarrhea (especially in children) constipation. headache. difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Why is zidovudine used for HIV?

Zidovudine is used to slow the progression of disease in patients infected with HIV who have advanced symptoms, early symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Zidovudine is also used to help prevent pregnant women who have HIV from passing the virus to their babies during pregnancy and at birth.

What to do if you miss zidovudine?

However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

How much meds should I take for HIV?

For HIV infection: For oral dosage forms (capsules, solution, syrup, and tablets): Adults—300 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day in combination with other anti-HIV medicines. Children and infants 4 weeks of age and older—Dose is based on body weight or body size and must be determined by your child's doctor.

Does zidovudine cause anemia?

Oral route (Capsule;Tablet;Syrup) Zidovudine has been associated with hematologic toxicity, including neutropenia and severe anemia, particularly in patients with advanced HIV disease. Prolonged use of zidovudine has been associated with symptomatic myopathy. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, ...

Is zidovudine oral or oral?

Zidovudine (Oral) Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 11, 2021. Zidovudine has been associated with hematologic toxicity, including neutropenia and severe anemia, particularly in patients with advanced HIV disease. Prolonged use of zidovudine has been associated with symptomatic myopathy. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly ...

Can zidovudine cause gum disease?

Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. Zidovudine may cause blood problems. These problems may result in a greater chance of certain infections and slow healing. Therefore, you should be careful when using regular toothbrushes, dental floss, and toothpicks not to damage your or your child's gums.

Can you change the dose of zidovudine?

The following information includes only the average doses of zidovudine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

How long does it take for a patient to recover from Zidovudine?

In patients who experience hematologic toxicity, a reduction in hemoglobin may occur as early as 2 to 4 weeks, and neutropenia usually occurs after 6 to 8 weeks. There have been reports of pancytopenia associated with the use of Zidovudine, which was reversible in most instances after discontinuance of the drug.

What is Zidovudine capsule?

Zidovudine capsules are indicated for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. The indication is based on a dosing regimen that included 3 components: antepartum therapy of HIV-1-infected mothers. intrapartum therapy of HIV-1-infected mothers.

How is Zidovudine eliminated from the body?

Unchanged Zidovudine and its glucuronide metabolite (formed in the liver) are primarily eliminated from the body by renal excretion. In patients with severely impaired renal function (CrCl less than 15 mL per min), dosage reduction is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

What is the chemical formula for zidovudine?

The chemical name of Zidovudine is 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine; it has the following structural formula: Zidovudine USP is a white to beige, odorless, crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 267.24 and a solubility of 20.1 mg per mL in water at 25°C. The molecular formula is C 10 H 13 N 5 O 4.

What medications interact with Zidovudine?

Drug Interactions. Advise patients that other medications may interact with Zidovudine and certain medications, including ganciclovir, interferon alfa, and ribavirin, may exacerbate the toxicity of Zidovudine [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Dosage and Administration in Neonates.

Does ribavirin reduce phosphorylation?

In vitro studies have shown ribavirin can reduce the phosphorylation of pyrimidine nucleoside analogues such as Zidovudine. Although no evidence of a pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction (e.g., loss of HIV-1/HCV virologic suppression) was seen when ribavirin was coadministered with Zidovudine in HIV-1/HCV co-infected subjects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], exacerbation of anemia due to ribavirin has been reported when Zidovudine is part of the HIV regimen. Coadministration of ribavirin and Zidovudine is not advised. Consideration should be given to replacing Zidovudine in established combination HIV-1/HCV therapy, especially in patients with a known history of Zidovudine-induced anemia.#N#Hepatic decompensation (some fatal) has occurred in HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 and interferon alfa with or without ribavirin. Patients receiving interferon alfa with or without ribavirin and Zidovudine should be closely monitored for treatment-associated toxicities, especially hepatic decompensation, neutropenia, and anemia.#N#Discontinuation of Zidovudine should be considered as medically appropriate. Dose reduction or discontinuation of interferon alfa, ribavirin, or both should also be considered if worsening clinical toxicities are observed, including hepatic decompensation (e.g., Child-Pugh greater than 6). See the full prescribing information for interferon and ribavirin.

Can you take Zidovudine with other antiretroviral drugs?

In most cases, Zidovudine capsules for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV -1 transmission should be given in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Prevention of HIV-1 transmission in women who have received Zidovudine capsules for a prolonged period before pregnancy has not been evaluated.

How long after birth can you take nevirapine?

Recommended empiric HIV therapy regimen consists of zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine initiated as soon as possible after birth (within 6–12 hours ); used in HIV-exposed neonates considered at highest risk of HIV acquisition. (See Prevention of Perinatal HIV Transmission under Uses.)

What is the class of HIV nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors?

Class: HIV Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors#N#- Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors#N#VA Class: AM800#N#Chemical Name: 3′-Azido-3′-deoxythymidine#N#CAS Number: 30516-87-1#N#Brands: Retrovir#N#Zidovudine is also contained as an ingredient in the following combinations:#N#Abacavir Sulfate, Lamivudine, and Zidovudine#N#Lamivudine and Zidovudine

What is post exposure prophylaxis?

Postexposure prophylaxis of HIV infection following nonoccupational exposure † (nPEP) in individuals exposed to blood, genital secretions, or other potentially infectious body fluids that might contain HIV when that exposure represents a substantial risk for HIV transmission .

How long does it take to give a syringe 2 mg/kg?

2 mg/kg given by IV infusion over 60 minutes (initiated at start of labor or 3 hours before scheduled cesarean delivery) followed by 1 mg/kg per hour given by continuous IV infusion until delivery.

Is zidovudine the same as HIV?

Zidovudine dosage for empiric HIV therapy in neonates Born to HIV-infected women is the same as that recommended for prophylaxis in neonates born to HIV-infected women. (See Prophylaxis in Neonates Born to HIV-infected Women under Dosage and Administration.)

Does zidovudine cause lipoatrophy?

Zidovudine has been associated with lipoatrophy (loss of subcutaneous fat); incidence and severity related to cumulative exposure to the drug. Fat loss, which is most evident in the face, limbs, and buttocks, may be only partially reversible and improvement may take months to years after switching to an antiretroviral regimen that does not contain zidovudine. Regularly assess patients for signs of lipoatrophy. If fat loss suspected, switch to an alternative antiretroviral regimen if feasible.

Is pancytopenia reversible after zidovudine?

Pancytopenia reported; pancytopenia usually reversible following discontinuation of zidovudine. Determine CBCs and indices of anemia (e.g., hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume) prior to and monitor frequently during zidovudine therapy, especially in patients with advanced HIV disease.

How to take zidovudine?

You can take zidovudine either with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

What is zidovudine prescribed for?

Zidovudine will be prescribed for you by a doctor who is a specialist. It belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is given alongside a number of other antiretroviral medicines, as part of a combination therapy.

Why is it important to take antiretroviral medicine?

It is vital to take your antiretroviral medicines exactly as prescribed to maintain success and to help to prevent the virus from becoming resistant to the medicines. These medicines are usually taken for life. Zidovudine is also prescribed to help prevent passing HIV on to an unborn baby.

How many Zidovudine capsules should I take a day?

You will be asked to take two doses each day - take the doses 12 hours apart. Zidovudine is available both as capsules and as a liquid medicine. Adults will usually be prescribed capsules to take, whereas young children are likely to be supplied with the liquid medicine (Retrovir® Oral Solution).

Can you take zidovudine while pregnant?

For these reasons, before you start taking zidovudine it is important that your doctor knows: If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have problems with the way your kidneys work. If you drink a lot of alcohol.

Can zidovudine cause an infection?

As a result of taking zidovudine, your immune system may start fighting an infection which was present before you started the treatment, but which you may not have been aware of.

Can you take more than the prescribed dose of a sulfate?

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Common side effects may include: headache; fever, general ill feeling; cough; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or. loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks).

Can you breastfeed a baby with HIV?

Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Does zidovudine affect your body?

Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight. Zidovudine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help circulate oxygen in your body. You may get an infection or feel more tired than usual. Your blood will need to be tested often.

Can you take zidovudine if you are allergic to it?

You should not use zidovudine if you are allergic to it. You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Does Zidovudine cause fever?

Zidovudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects ( even weeks or months after you've used this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have: signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;

Can Zidovudine affect liver?

Ask your doctor about your risk. Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, especially hepatitis C. if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection.

Does zidovudine cause lactic acid?

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, vomiting, or if you feel cold, tired, or very weak. Zidovudine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help circulate oxygen.

Why is zidovudine given to newborns?

It is used to treat HIV infection . It is used to keep the HIV infection from passing from the mother to the newborn during delivery. The newborn will also be given zidovudine injection after birth. It may be given to you for other reasons.

What to do if you think you have an overdose?

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Can zidovudine be used to treat HIV?

For patients taking zidovudine injection to treat HIV infection: This medicine is not a cure for HIV. Stay under the care of your doctor. Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking drugs to treat HIV.

Can zidovudine cause liver problems?

Rarely, zidovudine injection may cause a swollen liver and a buildup of acid in the blood. Sometimes, this may be deadly. The risk may be higher in women, in overweight people, and in people who have taken drugs like this one for a long time.

Can you skip a zidovudine injection?

Keep taking zidovudine injection as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well. It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of zidovudine injection during treatment. It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

Does zidovudine go back to normal?

This may not go back to normal. It is not known how this loss of body fat may affect health over a long time. You will need to be checked for any changes in body fat while you take zidovudine injection. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.

Can zidovudine cause low white blood cells?

Low white and red blood cell counts have happened with zidovudine injection. If white blood cell counts get low, the chance of getting an infection may be raised. If red blood cell counts get low, this can lead to anemia and a blood transfusion. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.

What is the best medicine for hepatitis C?

Ribavirin is used in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus and in combination with simeprevir and interferon for the treatment of hepatitis C. Zidovudine is used to increase the life expectancy of patients suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Amantadine is used to prevent herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2.

How do antiretroviral agents work?

All antiretroviral agents work to reduce the viral load, which is the number of viral RNA copies per milliliter of blood. Lymphocyte counts, red blood cell counts, and megakaryocyte counts are not used to evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral agents administered to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection.

What is the best drug for herpes?

Acyclovir, the drug of choice for most infections caused by herpes simplex viruses and varicella-zoster viruses, is used to suppress replication of the herpes virus. Zanamivir is used to treat influenza in adults. Ganciclovir is the drug used most commonly in the treatment of cytomegalovirus.

Is Valganciclovir better than ganciclovir?

Valganciclovir has a higher oral bioavailability than does ganciclovir sodium. Valganciclovir, a prodrug of ganciclovir, may be a better choice for a heart transplant patient with cytomegalovirus retinitis because it has a higher bioavailability, meaning that the medication may be administered less frequently.

Is ribavirin a protease inhibitor?

Fusion inhibitors currently have a limited role in the management of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Indinavir is an example of a protease inhibitor. Ribavirin is an example of a synthetic nucleoside analogue. Nevirapine belongs to the category of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. 653.

Does zidovudine stop HIV?

Antiretroviral agents do not stop the transmission of HIV, and patients need to continue standard precautions. Absorption of oral dosage forms of zidovudine is not impeded by taking the drug with food or milk. During the assessment of a pregnant patient, a nurse finds that the patient has active genital herpes lesions.

Does Amprenavir cause glaucoma?

Therefore, the nurse has the additional responsibility of monitoring blood glucose concentrations along with hemoglobin A1C. Amprenavir does not cause glaucoma, hypertension, or urinary tract infection. p. 652. A nurse is assessing a patient who has a serious eye infection.

Indications and Usage For Zidovudine

Zidovudine Dosage and Administration

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Contraindications

Warnings and Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Drug Interactions

Use in Specific Populations

  • Pregnancy
    Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Zidovudine during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Available data from the AP…
  • Lactation
    Risk Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-1-infected mothers in the United States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection. Zidovudine is present in human milk. There is no information on the effects of Zidovudine on the breastfed infant or the effect…
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Overdosage

Zidovudine Description

Uses For Zidovudine

Zidovudine Dosage and Administration

Cautions For Zidovudine

  • Contraindications
    1. Zidovudine: History of potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to the drug or any ingredient in the formulation. 2. Lamivudine/zidovudine: History of hypersensitivity to lamivudine or zidovudine. 3. Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine: Positive for HLA-B*5701 allele; history of hypersen…
  • Common Adverse Effects
    Headache, malaise, fever, cough, GI effects (anorexia, nausea, vomiting).
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Interactions For Zidovudine

Stability

Actions and Spectrum

Advice to Patients

Preparations