Stavudine (By mouth)
STAV-ue-deen
Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Stavudine is used in combination with other antivirus medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Stavudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. It helps to keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay problems that are usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Stavudine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Allow at least 12 hours between doses.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle of medicine well just before you measure each dose.
Stavudine is taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Capsules: Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of any leftover capsules after you have finished your treatment.
Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 30 days, but do not throw it in the trash. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how stavudine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Other medicines to treat HIV, including didanosine, zidovudine Doxorubicin Hydroxyurea Interferon, ribavirinDo not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to stavudine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, pancreas problems, gallstones, diabetes, or a history of nerve problems.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) Liver problems Peripheral neuropathy PancreatitisThis medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild skin rash or itching
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Zerit, Zerit Pediatrics
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
