This work presents the study of the interaction between zidovudine (AZT) and rare earth (RE) ions with thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (TTA). The complexes [RE(TTA)(3) x (AZT)(2)] (where RE(III)=Eu and Gd) were prepared by reaction between the [RE(TTA)(3) x (H(2)O)(2)] precursors and AZT dissolved in acetone in the molar ratio 1:2. The obtained luminescent materials were characterized by microanalyses (C, H, N), complexometric titration, IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and thermal analysis (DSC and TG/DTG). The luminescence data indicate that the substitution of the two water molecules by AZT in the europium complex causes an intensification of luminescence corresponding to the (5)D(0) -->(7)F(J) (J=0-4) transitions associated with one of the site symmetries. Based on the luminescence spectrum of the Eu(III)-compound the Omega(lambda) experimental intensity parameters (lambda=2 and 4) were calculated for the electronic transitions (5)D(0)-->(7)F(2, 4). The Omega(2) intensity parameter for this new compound is higher than for the precursor compound, suggesting an effective interaction between the AZT and the chemical environment of the Eu(III) ion. Luminescence data confirm that the AZT complex and precursor compound have a comparable emission quantum efficiency.