Hematologic toxicity of zidovudine in HIV-infected patients

Abstract

Zidovudine is now used extensively in an effort to control infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The drug is associated with major hematologic toxicity, especially anemia and granulocytopenia. Conservative management of hematologic toxicity includes dosage reduction or cessation of therapy, diagnosis and treatment of chronic debilitating diseases, and supportive care, such as blood transfusions. New investigational agents, including hematopoietic growth factors, are being studied to combat the toxicities associated with zidovudine. The efficacy of these agents has yet to be established. Recent advances in drug efficacy at reduced dosage and in combination therapy promise to permit use of zidovudine with markedly reduced toxicity.