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

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Most adults should allow at least 12 hours between doses. The extended-release capsule should be taken once every 24 hours, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• If you cannot easily swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open the capsule and pour the medicine beads into 2 tablespoons of yogurt or applesauce. Swallow this mixture without chewing or crushing the medicine beads.
• 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 comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• 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 ("AZT"), Combivir®, Retrovir®, Trizivir®), or didanosine (Videx®). Tell your doctor if you use doxorubicin (Adriamycin®, Doxil®), ribavirin (Rebetol®, Rebetron®), or hydroxyurea (Hydrea®).
• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or pancreas problems. Tell your doctor if you have 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:
  • Extreme weakness, tiredness, confusion, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Muscle weakness in your arms and legs.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or nausea and vomiting.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Some side effects are more likely to occur if you are pregnant, overweight, female, if you have advanced disease, or if you 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 breast feed 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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fever or chills.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

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

• Diarrhea.
• Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
• Headache, dizziness, depression, trouble sleeping.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Muscle pain.
• Unusual dreams.