pt with lupus on AZT

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Hi, I just have a simple question here. I took care of a pt who was diagnosed with lupus and was on several meds. I know that lupus is an autoimmune disorder that often involves multiple systems, and she was VERY sick and was on a lot of meds.

I'm looking up her meds now for my careplan, and I'm confused. I know that AZT is given to HIV/AIDS pts, but I don't understand why this pt was receiving AZT because I didn't find anything in the chart indicating that the pt was HIV+, and nobody told me that the pt was HIV+.

Could she have been prescribed the AZT for another reason? Perhaps as a preventative because she was immunosuppressed and has lupus? The only indication listed in my drug guide is for AIDS and HIV.

Thanks to all who take the time to help me figure this out :confused:

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Specializes in CTICU.

You sure it wasn't azathioprine for immunosuppression to reduce auto-immune inflammatory process?

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yes, I'm sure. It was zidovudine, But I'm not sure why the pt was taking it. Is there any other reason why the pt could have been taking it? Thanks!

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

The only off-label use of zidovudine I could find was for treatment of T-cell lymphoma or leukemia and thrombocytopenia in HIV patients. Can't say it was the most reputable source, but that's what I found.

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Sounds like a good question to ask one of your instructors. I would like to know the answer to this as well...unless someone forgot to chart the pt had HIV.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.
Sounds like a good question to ask one of your instructors. I would like to know the answer to this as well...unless someone forgot to chart the pt had HIV.

That's what I'm thinking, wouldn't be the first time...

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I think it does have something to do with immunosuppression, and something with keeping the healthy cells from being attack.

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