Retrovir: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When Retrovir, a brand name for the antiretroviral drug zidovudine, used to treat HIV infection. Also known as AZT, it was the first FDA-approved medication to slow the progression of HIV. In the late 1980s, Retrovir gave people with HIV a fighting chance—something that didn’t exist before. Today, it’s rarely used alone, but it still plays a role in combination therapies, especially for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Retrovir works by blocking an enzyme HIV needs to copy itself—reverse transcriptase. Without it, the virus can’t make new copies of its genetic material. That’s why it’s called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NRTI. It doesn’t kill HIV outright, but it keeps the virus from multiplying fast enough to overwhelm the immune system. When paired with other antiretrovirals like lamivudine or tenofovir, Retrovir becomes part of a powerful combo that can reduce viral load to undetectable levels. But it’s not without risks. Long-term use can cause anemia, low white blood cell counts, muscle weakness, and liver issues. People with pre-existing liver disease or bone marrow problems need close monitoring.

What makes Retrovir different from newer HIV drugs? It’s older, cheaper, and has decades of real-world data behind it. While newer medications are more potent and have fewer side effects, Retrovir is still used in low-resource settings because it’s affordable and reliable. It’s also a key part of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after potential HIV exposure, like needlestick injuries or unprotected sex. If you’re prescribed Retrovir, you’ll likely take it twice daily, with or without food. Missing doses can lead to resistance, so sticking to the schedule matters more than with some newer drugs.

There’s a reason Retrovir shows up in posts about medication side effects, liver injury, and drug interactions—it’s a drug that demands attention. People taking it often need regular blood tests. It can interact with other meds like ganciclovir or interferon, making side effects worse. And while it’s not a cure, it’s helped millions live longer, healthier lives. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just curious, understanding Retrovir means understanding the history—and the ongoing reality—of HIV treatment.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how Retrovir fits into broader medication safety, drug comparisons, and treatment strategies. From how it affects liver function to how it stacks up against other antivirals, these posts give you the details you won’t get from a prescription label.