AZT

Or retrovir or zidovudine trademark for azidothymidine, an antiviral drug used in the treatment of AIDS.

Developed in the mid-1980s and approved for use by 1987, it is not a cure for AIDS but is effective in suppressing the causative virus (HIV) for as long as it is administered; it does not, however, delay the onset of AIDS in people carrying the virus. Taken every four hours, night and day, it reduces the risk of opportunistic infection and relieves many complications. However, frequent blood monitoring is required to control anemia, a potentially life-threatening side-effect of AZT. Blood transfusions are often necessary, and the drug must be withdrawn if liver damage occurs or bone-marrow function is severely affected.