The warning label on a vial of AZT for investigational use from Sigma "Fine" Chemicals: "TOXIC. Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Target organ(s): Blood bone marrow. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice (show the label where possible). Wear suitable protective clothing."
Zidovudine
"Zidovudine (ZDV, AZT) is a thymidine analog that inhibits the viral reverse transcriptase as a chain terminator. The dosage is 200 mg po q 8 h or 300 mg po bid. For HIV-associated dementia, 1000 to 1200 mg/day is recommended. It is one of the few antiviral drugs that obtains significant levels in the CNS and appears to protect against HIV dementia. Adverse effects include headache, fingernail discoloration, anemia, neutropenia, nausea, GI upset, hepatitis, and myositis. ZDV has been shown to decrease both vertical transmission and occupational acquisition after a percutaneous exposure. Use with ganciclovir may result in profound bone marrow suppression". from: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
All the information one might ever wish about this drug, that history will record as one of the worst "mistakes" of the medical profession, is available at the AIDS wiki, and at South African barrister, Anthony Brink's website, Treatment Information Group (TIG). (Otis)
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