What is Stavudine?
Stavudine, an antiviral medication, is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Stavudine does not cure HIV or AIDS. Stavudine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Stavudine
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat and difficulty swallowing. Seek immediate medical care.
The mild symptoms of lactic acidosis can worsen over time. This condition is fatal. If you experience: unusual muscular pain; difficulty breathing; stomach pain; nausea or dizziness,
Stavudine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience numbness or tingling in your feet or hands.
- You may experience weakness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet.
- Liver problems: swelling around the midsection of your body; upper right stomach pain; lack of appetite; dark-colored urine; clay-colored stool; jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes);
- Pancreatitis: fever, severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back, and nausea.
Stavudine can affect your immune system and cause side effects. These may occur even weeks or months after taking stavudine. Inform your doctor if:
- Signs of a new infection include fever, sweating at night, swollen glands, cold sores, coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, have problems with balance, eye movements, or weakness, or feel prickly, then it could be a sign of a problem.
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Stavudine can cause the following side effects:
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Rash;
- Headache.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
This medicine should not be taken with zidovudine, didanosine, or any other medication that contains stavudine. You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood. If you experience unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, dizziness, or feel cold or very tired, call your doctor.
Stavudine may also have serious or even life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: stomach pain, swelling, nausea, bleeding easily, loss of appetite, or dark urine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to stavudine, then it is best not to take it. Stavudine should not be taken with zidovudine, didanosine, or any other medication that contains stavudine.
Stavudine may cause serious or even life-threatening side effects in your liver and pancreas. Inform your doctor if you have liver problems or a past history of pancreatitis.
Inform your doctor if any of the following applies to you:
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Hepatitis C and other liver diseases
- Diabetes (stavudine liquid may contain sucrose);
- Gallstones;
- You may experience tingling or numbness in your feet or hands.
- You may have problems with your pancreas.
- If you consume large quantities of alcohol,
Lactic acidosis can be a potentially life-threatening condition when too many lactic acids accumulate in the blood. It may be more common if there are other medical conditions or if you've been taking HIV medication for some time. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.
Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medicines on the baby. Breast-feeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk.
How to take Stavudine?
Do not leave any instructions behind when taking medication without first reading and following all directions exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Occasionally, they will adjust the dose but it is still important to take it exactly as prescribed by you. To ensure that you always have a constant amount of drug in your system, take your doses regularly. Stavudine can be taken with or without any food.
Before measuring a dose, shake the liquid medication. Use either the provided dosing device or an equivalent dose-measuring tool (non-spoon). Weight is used to determine the dose of stavudine (especially for children and adolescents). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight. Medical tests will be required frequently.
Read all the instructions and medication guides that you receive. Do not adjust your dosage or schedule without first consulting your physician. Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician. Keep stavudine caps away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly sealed. Stavudine liquid should be stored in the fridge, not frozen. After 30 days, throw away any liquid that is still unused.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed one altogether and only ever take two doses at the same time. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver or pancreatic damage. Stavudine does not stop the spread of your illness. Share razors and toothbrushes, but do not engage in unprotected sexual activity. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy people should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Hydroxyurea.
This list is incomplete. Stavudine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
