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Brand name: Retrovir TM

Active ingredients: zidovudine

What it is used for

Retrovir is indicated for: . Treatment of adult patients with severe symptomatic human immunodeficiency viruvirus infection (AIDS or advanced AIDS related complex); . Treatment of other HIV-positive adult patients with less than 500 CD4 cells/mm3. Notes: (1) The limited available data currently support the extended use of Retrovir (Indication 2 above). (2) The optimal dosage for these indications has not been established. . Combination therapy in advanced HIV infection. The addition of HIVID (Zalcitabine) may be considered for the management of adult patients with advanced HIV infection and CD4 + cell counts less than or equal to 200/mm3, who have received Retrovir monotherapy for less than 12 months. Retrovir monotherapy is still indicated as initial therapy for adult patients with HIV infection who fulfil the approved indications. NEW INDICATIONS APPROVED 7TH FEBRUARY 1997: Retrovir (zidovudine) is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection, alone and in combination with other antiretroviral therapies. The optimum dosage for this indication has not been established.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 30 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 5 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Opaque white cap and body coded GSYJU

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Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Is this medicine subsidised?

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on April 1, 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient zidovudine

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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