Stavudine
Generic name: stavudine [ STA-vue-deen ]
Brand names: Zerit, Zerit XR
Dosage forms: oral capsule (15 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg; 40 mg); oral powder for reconstitution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
What is stavudine?
Stavudine is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Stavudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Stavudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not take stavudine with didanosine or zidovudine, or with any other medicine that contains stavudine.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Stavudine can also cause serious or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: stomach pain or swelling, fever, nausea, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not take stavudine if you are allergic to it. Do not take this medicine with didanosine or zidovudine, or with any other medicine that contains stavudine.
Stavudine can cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of pancreatitis.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease, including hepatitis C;
diabetes (stavudine liquid may contain sucrose);
numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet;
problems with your pancreas; or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy....
