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AZT Side Effects

AZT, also called zidovudine or azidothymidine, is a prescription medication used to slow the effects of HIV. Despite its effectiveness, AZT poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

  1. Significance

    • The most common side effects of AZT in adults occur in approximately 20 to 63 percent of users, according to clinical trials published by the FDA. In children, the most common side effects occur in 11 to 25 percent of patients.

    Types of Common Side Effects in Adults

    • Side effects of AZT common in adults include headaches, malaise, nausea and loss of appetite.

    Types of Common Side Effects

    • In children, the most common side effects of AZT include fever, coughing, skin rashes and enlargement of the liver, or hepatomegaly.

    Risks

    • AZT poses a risk for shortages of red or white blood cells, causing weakness, shortness of breath and an increased incidence of fungal, bacterial, viral and protozoal infections. These effects are most common in patients known to have suppressed functioning of the bone marrow.

    Warning

    • Though rare, AZT has the potential to cause fatal cases of lactic acidosis or a buildup of acid in your bloodstream. Women are more likely than men to develop lactic acidosis and those who are obese or suffer from liver disease are also at greater risk, according to the FDA.

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