Does AZT have to be part of one's HIV therapy?

AZT (or zidovudine) was the first HIV drug to be licensed in the United States.

For a few years, AZT was the only drug available for treating HIV, but in the last 15 years, many other antiretrovirals (HIV drugs) have been licensed. Some of these drugs have had worse side effects than AZT, some better, and some just different.

How bad any side effect will be varies from one person to another, and also depends on the other medications that a person is taking.

There are now many possible combinations of antiretrovirals that work well. Many of these combinations include AZT, and many do not.

Choosing the best treatment plan for a given person at a given time can be complicated. Therapy should always be chosen with a physician who knows about your medical history and has a good understanding of these drugs and their side effects.