Zidovudine (Retrovir) Side Effects
In a similar manner with other antiretroviral drugs accessible in the market today, Zidovudine also encompasses different side effects or adverse reactions. These reactions can be categorized based on their sternness towards HIV-positive individuals. To know more of these reactions, learn which of them are manageable at home and which are not.
List of side effects demanding immediate medical therapy:
First, we will learn the different adverse reactions that are classified under the severe category. These are the type of effects that need immediate medical attention. Read on to know more:
- Black-coloured stools
- Fever
- Chills
- Coughing
- Lower back pain
- Painful urination
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach
- Swelling in some parts of the mouth
- Unexplained bruising
- Unexplained bleeding
- Unexplained weakness
- Recurrent diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of appetite
- Psychological problems
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe pain in the muscles
- Cramping
- Seizures
- Sleeping problems
- Bleeding gums
- Bloating
- Peeling of the skin
- Pain in the bones
- Blurry vision
- Itchiness
- Numbness
- Constipation
- Dark-coloured urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Extreme tiredness
- Severe headache
- Skin rashes
- Hoarseness
- Indigestion
- Frequent urination
- Pain in the joints
- Nose bleeding
- Irritated eyes
- Runny nose
- Shaking arms, legs, and feet
- Shivering
- Redness of the skin
- Chest tightness
- Sweating
- Swollen glands
- Rapid weight gain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
List of side effects that DO NOT demand immediate medical therapy:
Aside from the list of severe unwanted reactions, Zidovudine also includes the most common side effects in consuming this medicine. Note that these reactions are manageable at home, so there is no need to call for immediate medical action.
- Mild headache
- Lack of strength
- Soreness of the muscles
- Rapid weight loss
- Change in skin colour
- Heartburn
- Belching
- Mild stomach ache
