Question 1

are azt (zidovudine) type meds safe?

Accepted Answer

That depends: Azt (zidovudine) ishas a lot of side effects and toxicity, which is why it's less often used in the U.S. And other resource-rich countries these days.  The more commonly used drugs in this class (the nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or nrtis) are tenofovir, abacavir, lamivudine, and emtricitabine.  These drugs are safer, more convenient, and more potent.

Question 2

what does it mean when someone takes azt (zidovudine)?

Accepted Answer

AZT (zidovudine) treats HIV: Azt or zidovudine is one of several HIV medications used to treat HIV infection.  It belongs to a class of HIV medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nrtis).

Question 3

what is the time that resistance will happen to azt (zidovudine)?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The amount of time for resistance to happen to azt (or zidovudine) depends on how adherent one is in taking their HIV medications.  Standard HIV regimen usually includes at least a combination of 3 medications, often called haart (highly active anti-retroviral therapy).  If someone is close to 100% adherent to their haart, resistance is very unlikely. However, lesser adherence leads to resistance.

Question 4

what is the time that resistance will develop to azt (zidovudine)?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The amount of time for resistance to happen to azt (or zidovudine) depends on how adherent one is in taking their HIV medications.  Standard HIV regimen usually includes at least a combination of 3 medications, often called haart (highly active anti-retroviral therapy).  If someone is close to 100% adherent to their haart, resistance is very unlikely. However, lesser adherence leads to resistance.

Question 5

was azt (zidovudine) originally developed for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It was originally developed as a nucleoside analog. It was thought that it might lead to false replication of dna in tumor cells. It failed. That goes back to the 60's. Later drugs of this type were tested for retroviruses and the rest is history. 
There is a nice article from the ny times in 1986.

Question 6

can azt (zidovudine) be used to treat syphilis?

Accepted Answer

No: I am not aware of any data supporting an effect of zidovudine on syphilis.

Question 7

are azt (zidovudine) type meds for aids really safe?

Accepted Answer

New drugs better: Azt (zidovudine) is an old drug with considerable toxicity.  It's not widely used in the U.S. Anymore.   The many antiretroviral agents that have taken its place can still have side effects, but they are far safer and better tolerated than the older drugs...And far safer and less toxic than HIV infection.

Question 8

how do i find an azt (zidovudine) clinic?

Accepted Answer

HIV clinic: You don't want an "azt clinic, " you want an "hiv clinic."  you can ask your doctor, or a local aids service organization.  There are also websites where you can find out about local HIV centers and clinicians in your area, including http://www.Hivma.Org and http://www.Aahivm.Org.

Question 9

can you  take atripla and zidovudine (azt) together?

Accepted Answer

Yes: That would generally be done only if you had some degree of nucleoside analog resistance, such as resistance to the Emtricitabine component of atripla.

Question 10

how does the azt (zidovudine) program work if you have hiv?

Accepted Answer

We use other drugs: There is no "azt (zidovudine) program."  azt (zidovudine) is a drug that is no longer widely used, as it has been replaced by a number of easier, safer, and more effective drugs that, when used in combination, stop the HIV virus from replicating and infecting new cells.  These leads to improvement in immune function and a much lower risk of illness and death.

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Doctor answers about:

AZT

A member asked:

Are azt (zidovudine) type meds safe?

A member asked:

What does it mean when someone takes azt (zidovudine)?

A member asked:

What is the time that resistance will happen to azt (zidovudine)?

A member asked:

What is the time that resistance will develop to azt (zidovudine)?

A member asked:

Was azt (zidovudine) originally developed for cancer?

A member asked:

Can azt (zidovudine) be used to treat syphilis?

A member asked:

Are azt (zidovudine) type meds for aids really safe?

A member asked:

How do i find an azt (zidovudine) clinic?

A member asked:

Can you take atripla and zidovudine (azt) together?

A member asked:

How does the azt (zidovudine) program work if you have hiv?

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