Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

STAVUDINE - ORAL CAPSULE

(STAV-you-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zerit

WARNING: Infrequently, severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood acid-base balance problems (lactic acidosis) have occurred while using this medication. Fatal lactic acidosis has also occurred during pregnancy when this medication was used in combination with didanosine and other drugs used to treat HIV. Rare cases of muscle weakness/paralysis have occurred (similar to Guillain- Barre syndrome), especially in those with lactic acidosis. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal or stomach pain, rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches or weakness, or trouble breathing (e.g., very shallow breathing). When used in combination with certain medicines, pancreatitis (sometimes fatal) has occurred on rare occasions. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach/abdominal pain.

Uses

This medication is used in combination with other medication(s) to treat HIV infection. Stavudine is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed, usually twice a day. For best effects, space the doses at even intervals throughout the day (and night if directed by your doctor). This will help ensure an even level of drug in the body at all times. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help devise a dosing schedule best for you. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Your condition will not improve faster but the risk of side effects may be increased.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of this medication is peripheral neuropathy (nerve disorder). Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, tingling, burning or pain of the hands or feet. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these. Headache, diarrhea or nausea or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if any of these serious side effects occur: chills, fever, sore throat, itch, rash, changes in body fat, muscle aches, trouble sleeping, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, rapid breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver diseases, pancreatitis, nerve disease, heart disease, major injury/surgery/infection, alcohol usage, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in human breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the newborn from possible HIV transmission.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: other drugs used to treat HIV disease (e.g., zidovudine, lamivudine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication does not cure HIV infection nor does it reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this drug.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).