Stavudine (By Mouth)

Stavudine (STAV-yoo-deen)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Stavudine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Zerit
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to stavudine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Most adults should allow at least 12 hours between doses.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Stavudine is taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the capsules at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 30 days.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using zidovudine (Retrovir®), didanosine (Videx®), or hydroxyurea (Mylocel™) .
• Tell your doctor if you currently drink alcohol or have in the past.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, pancreas problems, gallstones, diabetes, a history of nerve problems, or if you are receiving dialysis.
• Rarely, stavudine may cause two very serious side effects, lactic acidosis and severe liver enlargement. If you have any of the following symptoms, STOP taking stavudine and call your doctor right away:
  
  • Unusual or unexplained nausea, vomiting, weight loss, or stomach pain
  • Muscle weakness (may start in your legs and slowly move to other parts of your body)
  • Extreme or unusual tiredness
  • Trouble breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
  • Yellow skin or eyes
• Some side effects are more likely to occur if you are pregnant, overweight, female, or if you have advanced disease or are also using other medicines to treat HIV or AIDS.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, mild skin rash or itching
• Increased fat in your neck, upper back, breasts, face, or around your waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.