Brand Name(s): Zerit, d4T

Generic Name Stavudine

What are stavudine capsules?

STAVUDINE, d4T (Zerit®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Stavudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Stavudine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Stavudine is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Stavudine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic stavudine capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take stavudine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• If you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• muscle weakness
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to stavudine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take stavudine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow capsules with a drink of water. Stavudine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with stavudine?

• didanosine, ddI
• hydroxyurea
• probenecid
• ribavirin
• zalcitabine, ddC
• zidovudine, ZDV (AZT)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking stavudine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• muscle weakness in arms and legs
• nausea, vomiting; or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort

• severe stomach or abdominal pain
• signs of low platelet counts such as unusual bleeding or bruising
• signs of low red blood cell counts such as increased tiredness or weakness
• signs of an infection such as fever, chills or sore throat
• tingling, pain, burning, or numbness in the hands or feet
• very tired or weak

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle and joint pain
• stomach upset
• skin rash, itching

What should I watch for while taking stavudine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.

Alcohol can increase the risk of developing severe side effects when taken with stavudine. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking stavudine. Do not treat yourself for nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet or develop muscle weakness.

Stavudine will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking stavudine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.