STAVUDINE, d4T (ZeritŪ) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Stavudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Stavudine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Stavudine is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Stavudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV
Stavudine is an antiviral medication called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). Stavudine is used to treat HIV infection. It works by blocking the growth of HIV. Stavudine is used in combination with other medicines.
Tell your dcotor if any of these apply to you:
you are allergic to Stavudine, any other medicine, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
you are taking Zidovudine
you have abnormal liver function tests, an enlarged liver, or lactic acidosis
you are taking any prescription or nonrescription medicine, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation
you have kidney problems, inflammation of pancreas, gallstones, or problems with tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, or if you drink alcohol
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions.
Stavudine can be taken with or without food.
Read Stavudine's Medications Guide for further instructions.
Continue to take Stavudine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Stavudine , take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Safety issues:
Stavudine offers no protection from the transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. Do not share needles, other injection equipment, or personal items such as toothbrushes or razor blades.
Stavudine is not a cure for HIV infection and patients may continue to acquire illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.
Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking Stavudine (eg, increased fat in upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.
What drug(s) interact with Stavudine?
didanosine
methadone
zidovudine
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
chills
dark urine
fever
lactic acid imbalance (general body discomfort, cold feeling, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow or irregular heartbeat)
muscle aches or weakness
numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet
prolonged nausea and vomiting
rapid breathing
shortness of breath
sore throat
stomach pain
sudden weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
weakness in the arms or legs
yellowing of the skin or eyes
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
vomiting
nausea
loss of appetite
headache
diarrhea
constipation
changes in body fat
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.