Anemia in Zidovudine (azidothymidine; AZT)-treated HIV Patients
Many factors can cause anemia in people with HIV, including side effects caused by some HIV/AIDS medications like zidovudine, also known as AZT.
Blood transfusion used to be the only treatment option for severe anemia in HIV/AIDS patients. In 1991, PROCRIT®, an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), was approved as treatment for patients with HIV whose anemia is due to therapy with AZT. If you are infected with HIV and have anemia due to zidovudine treatment, ask your doctor if PROCRIT® is right for you.
This section discusses some of the issues associated with anemia due to zidovudine therapy for HIV.