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Stavudine |
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What is Stavudine and why is it prescribed? Stavudine is one of the drugs used to fight the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is usually prescribed for people who have already been taking the HIV drug Retrovir for an extended period. Stavudine helps stave off the attack by disrupting the virus's ability to reproduce. Signs and symptoms of HIV infection include diarrhea, fever, headache, infections, problems with the nervous system, rash, sore throat, and significant weight loss. Although Stavudine can slow the progress of HIV infection, it is not a cure. Be sure, too, to notify your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your general health. How should you take Stavudine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Stavudine. Take Stavudine every 12 hours, exactly as prescribed. It's important to keep a constant level of Stavudine in the body, so be sure to take each dose on schedule. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or nerve disorders could result. Shake the oral solution vigorously before measuring the dose. You can take Stavudine with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Keep the Stavudine container tightly closed. Store the capsules at room temperature. Store Stavudine oral solution in the refrigerator and throw out any unused medication after 30 days. Are there any Stavudine side effects? Stavudine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Stavudine side effects are more likely if you combine Stavudine with other drugs that cause similar reactions. Also, the higher your dosage of Stavudine, the greater the chance of a problem. If you think Stavudine is causing problems, keep taking it until you've checked with your doctor. Only your doctor can determine whether the drug is at fault, and adjust your dosage accordingly. Stavudine side effects may include abdominal pain, allergic reaction, chills, diarrhea, fever, headache, liver damage, loss of appetite, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, nervous system abnormalities, pain or numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, pancreatitis, rash, and sleeplessness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Stavudine? If Stavudine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining Stavudine with any of the following drugs may make peripheral neuropathy worse: Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), Cisplatin (Platinol), Dapsone, Didanosine (Videx), Ethambutol (Myambutol), Hydralazine (Apresoline), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Vincristine (Oncovin), Zalcitabine (Hivid), or Zidovudine (Retrovir). Remember that combination therapy with Stavudine, Videx, and hydroxyurea increases the possibility of serious liver problems. Combining Stavudine and Videx also increases the risk of pancreatitis. Are there any special warnings about Stavudine? Remember that Stavudine does not prevent the spread of HIV through sexual contact or contact with infected blood. Stavudine has been known to cause severe and even fatal liver damage, especially in women, overweight individuals, and people who have been taking Stavudine or similar medications for a long time. The risk increases if you are being treated with a combination of Stavudine, Videx, and hydroxyurea. Signs of a liver problem include weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Treatment with Stavudine may have to be stopped. Also be sure to tell the doctor if you have ever had a liver problem or tend to abuse alcohol. The doctor will watch especially closely for any sign of a liver problem. Stavudine can also cause serious and even fatal pancreatitis, especially if you've had the problem in the past, suffer from gallstones, or drink alcoholic beverages. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop such signs of pancreatitis as stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; you may have to stop treatment with Stavudine. If you have any of the risk factors for pancreatitis, make sure the doctor is aware of it. One of the more common and dangerous side effects of Stavudine is a problem called peripheral neuropathy, a serious condition in which certain nerves are damaged. If you notice numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet, notify your physician immediately. Treatment with Stavudine may have to be stopped. Another side effect seen in some people receiving drugs for HIV is a redistribution of body fat. The benefit you get from Stavudine may not last long. If your symptoms begin to get worse, tell your doctor immediately. |
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