Uses of AZT

AZT is a medication used to slow the process or prevent infection by the HIV virus.

HAART is the most common usage of AZT. HAART stands for Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and is a process of combining multiple HIV medications at one time. HIV has the ability to become immune to certain medicines, and once it does, the medicine no longer serves it's purpose. Patients use this method to lessen the possibility that they will become immune to a certain or multiple medicines quickly. Doctors prescribe at least 2 other HIV drugs to accompany AZT. (pregnant women may be an exception)

Zidovudine is also used on patients without HIV who have had significant exposure to the virus and want to lessen their risk of becoming infected.

For pregnant women with HIV, there is a 25% that they will pass it on to their child. This is called Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).   AZT can reduce this to 8% through injections of the HIV virus given to the mother throughout pregnancy and during delivery via an IV as well as to the baby for 6 weeks after birth. With AZT and other HIV medicines along with a Caesarian section the risk can be reduced to 1%. However, the disease can still be transmitted through breast feeding.

AZT is available in 300 mg tablets, 100 mg capsules, or 50 mg syrup. The prescription is typically 300 mg 2-3 times a day.

Retrovir

There are many side effects of Zidovudine, such as anemia, bone marrow suppression, nausea, headache, changes in body fat, and discoloration of fingernails and toenails.