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GSK / Retrovir

What is Retrovir?
Retrovir is an anti-HIV medication. It is in a category of HIV medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Retrovir prevents HIV from altering the genetic material of healthy T-cells. This prevents the cells from producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in the body.

Retrovir, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV, in 1987.

Retrovir must be used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV drugs.

RETROVIR contains the active ingredient zidovudine, which belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals.

Please note that the active ingredient in RETROVIR, zidovudine, is also available as a combination medicine, Combivir™, along with lamivudine, another antiretroviral.

RETROVIR capsules and oral solution are used, in combination with other antiretrovirals, for the long term treatment of HIV infected adults and children. RETROVIR slows down the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other related illnesses, such as AIDS-related Complex (ARC).

RETROVIR IV infusion is used for short term treatment of these conditions in people who cannot take RETROVIR capsules or oral solution. RETROVIR IV infusion is also used during childbirth in HIV-infected mothers to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the baby.

RETROVIR does not cure AIDS or HIV infection, but slows down production of human immunodeficiency virus. In this way it stops ongoing damage to the body's immune system, which fights infection.

RETROVIR does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others. You will still be able to pass on the HIV virus by sexual activity or by passing on blood or body secretions which carry the HIV virus. You should continue to take all the appropriate precautions.

While taking RETROVIR and/or any other therapy for HIV disease, you may continue to develop further infections and other complications of HIV disease.

RETROVIR is not addictive.