What is efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (Atripla)? Atripla is a combination antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from reproducing in your body. Atripla is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Atripla is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Atripla is for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms). Atripla may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Do not take Atripla together with adefovir, atazanavir, voriconazole, or medications that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or tenofovir. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together. Atripla can cause severe or fatal liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as stomach pain or swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using Atripla. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months. Before taking this medicine You should not take efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir if you are allergic to efavirenz (Sustiva), emtricitabine (Emtriva), or tenofovir (Viread). Do not take Atripla together with adefovir, atazanavir, voriconazole, or any medications that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or tenofovir (such as Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Epivir, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, Trizivir, Truvada, Vemlidy). Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver or kidney disease; long QT syndrome; mental illness, use of antipsychotic medication, or injection drug use; epilepsy or other seizure disorder; low bone mineral density; or hepatitis B or C infection. 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. Atripla can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant, and do not get pregnant for at least 12 weeks after you stop taking Atripla. Atripla can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using Atripla, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. 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. How should I take Atripla? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take this medicine on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. You will need frequent medical tests. This medicine may affect a drug-screening urine test and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use Atripla. Store Atripla in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using Atripla. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include uncontrolled muscle movements. What should I avoid while taking Atripla? Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person. Atripla side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. Call your doctor at once if you have: unusual thoughts or behavior, anger, severe depression, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, hallucinations; a seizure (convulsions); kidney problems--increased thirst and urination, muscle pain or weakness; or liver problems--swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Atripla affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken 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; trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence. Common side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling; nausea, diarrhea; headache, depressed mood, trouble concentrating; sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; rash; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir side effects (more detail) Efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir dosing information Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection: 1 tablet orally once a day Use: As a complete regimen or in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection Usual Adult Dose for Nonoccupational Exposure: US CDC Recommendations: 1 tablet orally once a day Duration of therapy: 28 days Comments: -Only with expert consultation, an alternative regimen for HIV nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) -Efavirenz is contraindicated as nPEP in pregnant women; it should be avoided in nPEP regimens during the first trimester and should not be used for women of childbearing potential who might become pregnant during antiretroviral prophylaxis. -Prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure. -Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information. Usual Adult Dose for Occupational Exposure: US Public Health Service working group recommendations: 1 tablet orally once a day Duration of therapy: 28 days, if tolerated Comments: -Only with expert consultation, an alternative regimen for use as HIV postexposure prophylaxis -Prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible, preferably within hours after exposure. -The optimal duration of prophylaxis is unknown and may differ based on institution protocol. -Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information. Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection: At least 40 kg: 1 tablet orally once a day Use: As a complete regimen or in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection   What other drugs will affect efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir? Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. Atripla can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve). Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Atripla, especially: St. John's wort; an antibiotic or antifungal medicine; an antidepressant; any other HIV medicines; cholesterol medication; heart or blood pressure medication; medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; medicine to treat hepatitis; seizure medicine; or tuberculosis medication. This list is not complete. Many drugs can affect Atripla, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

What is emtricitabine and tenofovir? Emtricitabine and tenofovir are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. Emtricitabine and tenofovir is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). emtricitabine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it can be used to treat HIV in adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 17 kilograms (37 pounds). Emtricitabine and tenofovir is also used in children who weigh between 55 and 77 pounds (25 to 35 kilograms) and who take certain other HIV medications. Truvada PrEP is used together with safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. You must be HIV-negative and an adult to use Truvada PrEP for this purpose. Emtricitabine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Do not take this combination medicine if you also take other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir. Truvada PrEP is used to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV in adults who are HIV-negative. This medicine alone will not protect you from infection with HIV. You must also use safer sex practices and get tested for HIV at least every 3 months. You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using emtricitabine and tenofovir. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months. Before taking this medicine You should not take emtricitabine and tenofovir if you are allergic to emtricitabine or tenofovir. Do not take if you also use other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir (such as Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Dutrebis, Emtriva, Epivir, Epzicom, Genvoya, Hepsera, Odefsey, Stribild, Triumeq, Trizivir, or Viread). If you take Truvada PrEP to reduce your risk of HIV infection: You must have a negative HIV test immediately before you start taking the medicine. Do not take Truvada PrEP to reduce infection risk if you are HIV-positive, if have been exposed to HIV within the past month, or if you had any symptoms (such as fever, sore throat, night sweats, swollen glands, diarrhea, body aches). Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease (you may be tested for hepatitis B before you can use this medicine); osteopenia (low bone mineral density); or kidney disease. 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. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. 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 breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk. A child receiving this medicine must weigh at least 37 pounds. How should I take emtricitabine and tenofovir? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may take this medicine with or without food. Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor. You will need frequent medical tests to check your kidney and liver function, or your bone mineral density. Truvada PrEP alone will not protect you from infection with HIV. You must also use safer sex practices and get tested for HIV at least every 3 months. Store in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using emtricitabine and tenofovir. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose.   What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to antiviral medicine. Try not to miss any doses. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while taking emtricitabine and tenofovir? Using emtricitabine and tenofovir will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person. Emtricitabine and tenofovir side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. Call your doctor at once if you have: symptoms of new HIV infection--fever, night sweats, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, swollen glands in your neck or groin; sudden or unusual bone pain; kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or liver problems--nausea, swelling around your midsection, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Emtricitabine and tenofovir affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have: signs of a new infection--fever, sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss; trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence. Common side effects may include: headache, dizziness, feeling depressed or tired; trouble sleeping, strange dreams; nausea, stomach pain; weight loss; or rash. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   What other drugs will affect emtricitabine and tenofovir? Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. Emtricitabine and tenofovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve). Other drugs may affect emtricitabine and tenofovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

What is lamivudine and zidovudine? Lamivudine and zidovudine are antiviral medications that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. Lamivudine and zidovudine is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lamivudine and zidovudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Lamivudine and zidovudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Do not take lamivudine and zidovudine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine that contains lamivudine or zidovudine. Zidovudine can weaken your immune system and cause signs of infection (fever, mouth sores, skin sores, flu symptoms, pale skin). Your blood will need to be tested often. Long-term use of zidovudine can cause muscle weakness, or loss of muscle tissue similar to "wasting syndrome" caused by HIV. You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months. Before taking this medicine You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to lamivudine. Do not take Combivir with any other medicine that contains lamivudine, zidovudine, or emtricitabine. This includes Atripla, Biktarvy, Cimduo, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Emtriva, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey, Retrovir, Stribild, Symfi, Triumeq, Trizivir, and Truvada. Lamivudine and zidovudine can also cause severe or fatal liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, especially hepatitis B. Lamivudine and zidovudine should not be used to treat HIV in adolescents weighing less than 66 pounds. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; pancreas disorder (especially in a child taking this medicine); or if you take ribavirin to treat hepatitis C. 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. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. 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. How should I take lamivudine and zidovudine? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may take lamivudine and zidovudine with or without food. Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using lamivudine and zidovudine. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while taking lamivudine and zidovudine? Avoid taking other medications that contain an ingredient called sorbitol, often used as a sweetener in liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure a medicine contains this ingredient. Using lamivudine and zidovudine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person. Lamivudine and zidovudine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. Call your doctor at once if you have: liver problems--swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting. Lamivudine and zidovudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken 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; trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence. Common side effects may include: headache; nausea, diarrhea; tiredness, general ill feeling; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough; or loss of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, and buttocks). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   Lamivudine and zidovudine dosing information Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection: 1 tablet orally twice a day Use: In combination with other antiretrovirals, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection Usual Adult Dose for Nonoccupational Exposure: US CDC recommendations: 1 tablet orally every twice a day Duration of therapy: 28 days Comments: -Recommended as part of a preferred NNRTI-based or protease inhibitor-based regimen for nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis of HIV infection; also recommended as part of alternative regimens (NNRTI-based, protease inhibitor-based, or triple NRTI) -Prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure. -Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information. Usual Adult Dose for Occupational Exposure: US Public Health Service working group recommendations: 1 tablet orally twice a day Duration of therapy: 28 days, if tolerated Comments: -Recommended as part of alternative regimens for HIV postexposure prophylaxis -Prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible, preferably within hours after exposure. -The optimal duration of prophylaxis is unknown and may differ based on the institution protocol. -Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information. Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection: At least 30 kg: 1 tablet orally twice a day Comments: -Use of the individual components is recommended for patients less than 30 kg; the manufacturer product information for lamivudine and zidovudine should be consulted. Use: In combination with other antiretrovirals, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection   What other drugs will affect lamivudine and zidovudine? Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: ganciclovir; interferon alfa; or ribavirin. This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect lamivudine and zidovudine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

What is zidovudine? Zidovudine is an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine is also given during pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to her baby. Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Zidovudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings 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. Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as: fever, flu symptoms, unusual tiredness, mouth sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet, upper stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Before taking this medicine 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. Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, especially hepatitis C. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; muscle problems; a latex allergy (if you receive zidovudine injection); bone marrow suppression; anemia (low red blood cells); or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. 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. How should I use zidovudine? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Zidovudine oral is taken by mouth, usually in combination with other antiviral medications. Zidovudine injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth. Zidovudine oral can be taken with or without food. Measure liquid medicine carefully, especially when giving zidovudine to a baby. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Zidovudine doses are based on weight in children. 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. Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor. Store zidovudine oral at room temperature away from moisture and heat.   What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Because you will receive zidovudine injection in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. What should I avoid while using zidovudine? Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage or lactic acidosis. Using zidovudine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person. Zidovudine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. Call your doctor at once if you have: low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or liver problems--swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). 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; trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence. 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). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   What other drugs will affect zidovudine? Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: doxorubicin; ribavirin; stavudine; or other medicines that contains zidovudine (including combination drugs such as Combivir or Trizivir). This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect zidovudine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.