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Introduction of
Stavudine (D4T)
Stavudine is used in
combination with other antiviral medications to treat human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or
without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Stavudine
is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleoside
analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by
slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Stavudine does not cure
HIV and may not prevent you from developing HIV-related
illnesses. Stavudine does not prevent the spread of HIV to
other people.
How should Stavudine (D4T) be used
Stavudine comes as a
capsule and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is
usually taken twice a day (every 12 hours), with or without
food and with plenty of water. To help you remember to take
stavudine, take it at around the same time each day. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask
your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take stavudine exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by
your doctor.
If you are giving
the oral solution to a child, shake the bottle well before
each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the measuring cup
provided to measure the child's dose.
Stavudine controls
HIV infection but does not cure it. Continue to take stavudine
even if you feel well. Do not stop taking stavudine without
talking to your doctor. If you miss doses or suddenly stop
taking stavudine, your condition may become more difficult to
treat.
Other uses for Stavudine (D4T)
Stavudine is also
sometimes used in combination with other medications to
prevent HIV infection in health care workers or other people
who were accidentally exposed to HIV. Talk to your doctor
about the possible risks of using this medication for your
condition.
Stavudine (D4T) may be prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
Special
precautions before taking Stavudine (D4T)
-
tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to stavudine or any other
medications.
-
tell your doctor
and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal
products you are taking. Be sure to mention those listed in
the IMPORTANT WARNING section and zidovudine (Retrovir, also
an ingredient in the combination products Combivir and
Trizivir). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
-
tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had kidney disease, diabetes (if
you are taking stavudine solution), or peripheral neuropathy
(a type of nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, and
pain in the hands and feet).
-
tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding. You should not breastfeed if you
are infected with HIV or if you are taking stavudine.
-
you should know
that stavudine may cause side effects that must be treated
right away before they become serious. Children who are
taking stavudine may not be able to tell you about the side
effects they are feeling. If you are giving stavudine to a
child, ask the child's doctor how you can tell if the child
is having these serious side effects.
-
you should know
that your body fat may increase or move to different areas
of your body such as your breasts and your upper back.
Side effects of Stavudine (D4T)
Stavudine may cause
side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is
severe or does not go away:
Some side effects
can be serious. If you experience the following symptoms or
any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call
your doctor immediately:
-
numbness,
tingling, burning or pain in the hands or feet
-
difficulty moving
your hands and feet
-
rash
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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