Tag: Zidovudine

In 1987, azidothymidine (AZT) became the first FDA-approved medication for treating HIV/AIDS, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against the virus. Understanding **how does AZT affect viral replication?** is key to appreciating this drug's historical and pharmacological significance in HIV management.

In 1987, the FDA approved zidovudine (AZT), marking the first antiretroviral drug for HIV/AIDS treatment. While a significant medical breakthrough at the time, its early use was associated with substantial toxicity, leading many to question **what are the side effects of AZT**. Early formulations and dosages led to frequent and sometimes severe adverse reactions, though modern treatment strategies have significantly improved its tolerability.

First approved in 1987, the drug azidothymidine (AZT), now known as zidovudine, was the first medication to be made available for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, offering a glimmer of hope during a critical period of the epidemic. Its effectiveness hinges on its ability to inhibit a specific viral enzyme: HIV reverse transcriptase.

With antiretroviral therapy (ART), the rate of serious anemia in HIV patients has dropped significantly, yet a substantial number of individuals still experience mild-to-moderate cases. Understanding *which antiretroviral drugs cause anemia* is crucial for effective patient management and improving quality of life.

Originally created in the 1960s for cancer research, the medication azidothymidine (AZT) was initially set aside after proving ineffective against leukemia in mice. The answer to **which disease was AZT first used to treat** marks a pivotal moment in medical history, transitioning from a failed cancer therapy to the first approved treatment for the devastating AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

While anaemia is more readily attributed to zidovudine, cases of lamivudine-associated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), a condition leading to severe anaemia, have been documented [1.6.1]. This article explores the question: **Does lamivudine cause anaemia?**

Freddie Mercury was officially diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, the same year the first antiretroviral drug, AZT, was approved by the FDA [1.5.2, 1.3.6]. The question of **did Freddie Mercury take AZT** is complex, reflecting the harsh realities of early HIV treatment.

In 1987, azidothymidine (AZT) became the first drug approved by the FDA to treat AIDS [1.4.1]. Today, however, its role has shifted dramatically. Understanding **why is AZT no longer used** as a frontline therapy reveals the incredible progress made in managing HIV.

The colloquialism 'az drug' does not refer to a single medication or official drug class, but often leads to patient confusion. Instead, this abbreviation can be a mishearing or a casual shorthand for several different and unrelated medications, most commonly referring to the 'Z-drugs' used for insomnia, the antibiotic azithromycin, or the antiretroviral zidovudine (AZT).

Approved by the FDA in 1987 as the first antiretroviral drug, Retrovir (zidovudine or AZT) revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Its primary use today, in combination with other medications, is to manage HIV infection and prevent its transmission from mother to child.