Stavudine
(Stavudine)Stavudine Overview
Stavudine is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Stavudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). Stavudine is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Stavudine Warnings
Rarely, stavudine has caused a severe (sometimes fatal) pancreas problem (pancreatitis) when used alone or with other HIV medicines. Immediately tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal/back pain). Rarely, stavudine has caused a severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood problem (lactic acidosis). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin) or lactic acidosis (such as rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches). Pregnant women with HIV may be more likely to have this problem. Do not use stavudine with didanosine because of the increased risk of serious side effects.
How to Use Stavudine
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using stavudine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Stavudine by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. The Dosage of Stavudine is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. For the best effect, take Stavudine at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Stavudine at the same times every day. It is very important to continue taking Stavudine (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Refill your medication before you run out. Do not take more or less of Stavudine than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
Stavudine Precautions
Before taking stavudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Stavudine may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Stavudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis), nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), alcohol use, gall bladder problems (such as gall stones). Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your risk for liver problems and/or pancreatitis. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Stavudine, especially the increased risk of nerve problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Stavudine. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Stavudine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
Stavudine Misdose
If you miss a dose of Stavudine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Stavudine Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.didanosine, doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, orlistat, zidovudine, drugs that can cause nerve problems (such as isoniazid, vincristine).
Stavudine Side Effects
Headache or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Stavudine has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Stavudine do not have serious side effects. As your immune system gets stronger, it can begin to fight off infections you already had, possibly causing disease symptoms to come back. You could also have symptoms if your immune system becomes overactive. This reaction may happen at any time (soon after starting HIV treatment or many months later). Get medical help right away if you have any serious symptoms,unexplained weight loss, severe tiredness, muscle aches/weakness that doesn't go away, headaches that are severe or don't go away, joint pain, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs, vision changes, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores), signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter), signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre syndrome (such as unsteadiness, loss of coordination, trouble swallowing/speaking/chewing, trouble moving your eyes). Stavudine can cause severe nerve problems in the hands/feet/legs (peripheral neuropathy). Symptoms may include numbness/tingling/pain, muscle weakness, or decreased muscle control. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away so that you can be monitored closely. Your doctor may decide to reduce or stop your dose of stavudine. Changes in body fat (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs) may occur while you are taking HIV medication. 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. A very serious allergic reaction to Stavudine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Stavudine Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Stavudine when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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