Stavudine is used together with other medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Take Stavudine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available in capsules and suspensions.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Stavudine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- inflammation of the pancreas
- bone marrow depression (a condition in which the blood cells are low)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing the HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you take proper precautions to avoid spreading the HIV infection to others.
In addition, while undergoing treatment you may continue to develop other infections or experience other health problems related to your HIV infection. Always keep you doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed checkups.
While being treated with Stavudine, you will need to have regular blood tests. These blood tests help your doctor to monitor your condition and also to check if your blood counts are normal. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these blood tests.
Stavudine may cause dizziness and tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache and depression.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- aches and pains, joint stiffness, difficulty in movement, muscle weakness
- stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, giddiness, fever
- redistribution of body fat that may change the way your body looks
- numbness, tingling and pain in the arms or legs
- yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes (jaundice), dark coloured urine and light coloured stools
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used to treat hepatitis C e.g. ribavirin
- doxorubicin (medicine used to treat cancer)
- other medicines used to treat HIV infection e.g. zidovudine
- hydroxyurea (medicine used to treat certain blood conditions)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Stavudine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Reconstituted Stavudine suspension should refrigerated between 2 - 8 °C. Any unused suspension should be discarded after 30 days.
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