Stavudine

Stavudine works by reducing the amount of HIV and the spread of the virus in your blood. Stavudine will not cure an HIV infection, but reduces your risk of developing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

This medicine is available as tablet and solution (for children).

Stavudine is an antiviral medicine that helps in the treatment of an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is effective for longer when used in combination with other medicines.

You need a prescription from your healthcare provider to get this medicine. Do not use stavudine if you have had a reaction to it in the past

• Stavudine comes in tablets or as a liquid to be taken by mouth with or without food.
• The dosage of stavudine is usually based on your body weight, do not add more doses or intentionally skip a dose. Doing so may make your infection difficult to treat.
• In case you forget a dose, then take it as soon as you remember but if you remember at a time close to your next dose, then take only the next dose.
• If you accidentally take more of this medicine than what was prescribed for you, go to the nearest health centre with the remaining medicine and report an overdose.

Stavudine is usually well tolerated. However, you may experience some mildly unpleasant side effects of this medication. Examples of some common side-effects include:

• You may experience a headache or feel feverish.
• You may feel like vomiting and vomit.
• You may pass loose and watery stools.
• You may add some weight around your face, arms or legs.

These are usually not serious and resolve on their own in about 2 to 3 days. If they do not resolve after a week, you need to inform your healthcare provider.

Some serious side-effects may occur, including:

• Finding it difficult to breathe.
• Feeling like your arms and legs are cold.
• Feeling like you may pass out.
• Feeling your heart beating fast.

If you experience any of the serious side-effects, you need to visit the nearest health centre immediately.

• You need to inform your doctor if you have any other illnesses, especially any liver-related disease or diseases affecting your pancreas.
• You must avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• If you have had an allergic reaction like a rash while taking this medication you should inform your healthcare provider as it may not be safe for you.
• If you have any mental illness like depression, you need to tell your healthcare provider.
• Stavudine may not be safe to use with certain medicines, including some other medicines used to treat HIV. Therefore, you need to inform your healthcare provider about the other medicines, supplements or herbs that you take, whether or not they were prescribed to you.