Generic Retrovir

At this time, several generic Retrovir products are available. These medicines come in different strengths and are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and syrup. (A generic version of the injectable form is not currently available.) Generic Retrovir drugs have all been given an "AB" rating by the FDA, which means that they are equivalent to the brand-name version.

 

Generic Retrovir: An Overview

Retrovir® (zidovudine) is a prescription HIV and AIDS medication. It is part of group of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Retrovir was the first medication approved to treat HIV and AIDS.
 
The drug is made by GlaxoSmithKline. However, it has since come off-patent, and generic Retrovir is now available.
 

Strengths of Generic Retrovir

Generic Retrovir is available in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Zidovudine 100 mg capsules
  • Zidovudine 300 mg tablets
  • Zidovudine syrup, containing 10 mg of zidovudine per mL (equivalent to 50 mg per teaspoonful).
     
At this time, there are no generic versions of the injectable form of Retrovir.
 

Who Makes Generic Retrovir?

Generic Retrovir is made by the following companies:
 
  • AuroBindo Pharma
  • Roxane Laboratories
  • Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals.
     

Is Generic Zidovudine as Good as Retrovir?

All generic medications must go through certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide whether the generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name drugs and assigns a rating to each one. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to the brand-name version. All of the generic zidovudine versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they are considered equivalent to Retrovir.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients from the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients, which could cause problems for people with certain allergies or sensitivities.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;