What is stavudine?
Stavudine is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.
Stavudine is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Stavudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Stavudine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take stavudine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take stavudine with a full glass of water.
Stavudine can be taken with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
It is important to use stavudine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the oral liquid in the refrigerator but do not let it freeze. Throw away any leftover medication after 30 days.
What happens if I overdose?
The symptoms of a stavudine overdose may include numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What should I avoid while taking stavudine?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking stavudine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.
Taking stavudine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
Stavudine side effects
Stop using stavudine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:
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liver damage - nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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lactic acidosis - muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, nausea with vomiting, and fast or uneven heart rate;
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pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
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peripheral neuropathy - numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet;
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muscle weakness or loss of coordination (may continue or get worse after you stop taking stavudine);
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, pale skin;
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white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
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any other signs of new infection.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
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diarrhea;
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muscle pain;
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headache;
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mild skin rash; or
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changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).
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