Stavudine

Brand: Zerit

Application: Acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children and adults

 

 

Stavudine pharmaceutical forms

• Capsules – Syrup

 

Stavudine Drug Information

Stavudine is an antiretroviral drug. It is used to control the symptoms of HIV infection. Stavudine reduces the progression and proliferation of HIV but is not a definitive treatment. The HIV virus destroys cells in the body called CD4 cells. These cells are very important for the body to defend against a variety of infections. If HIV infection is not treated, the immune system gradually weakens and loses the ability to fight off various infections. Stavudine is a CCR5 antagonist antiretroviral drug that blocks the CCR5 receptor required by the HIV virus to enter CD4 marker T cells. As a result, stavudine helps maintain an immune system by reducing the amount of virus that enters the body’s immune cells.

Stavudine for AIDS belongs to a group of antiretroviral (anti-retroviral) drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is prescribed, along with a number of other antiviral drugs, as part of combination therapy. Taking three or more antiretroviral drugs at the same time is more effective than taking a single drug. Combined use of different drugs reduces the risk of developing resistance to any of these drugs.

 

Dosage and method of taking Stavudine

• Read the package leaflet carefully before starting treatment with Stavudine. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
• The dose and amount of acetaminophen varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised. It is usually taken as a tablet twice a day for 12 hours, although the dose may be more or less.
• Try to take your doses at the same time each day and at a regular hour.
• Stavudine capsules should be swallowed with some water. If you have difficulty swallowing, pour the contents of the capsule into some soup or other food and eat.
• Stavudine syrup is recommended for young children.
• It is best to take the medicine on an empty stomach 1 hour before a meal.
• If you forget to take your daily dose of acetaminophen at the right time but soon forget to take it; But if you remember when the next dose is near the hour, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.

 

Contraindications to the use of acetaminophen

• Pay attention to the expiration date of Stavudine, and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
• Never give Stavudine to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
• Check for Stavudine drug interactions, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this drug, talk to your doctor about using your medications.

 

Taking stavudine during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself.

 

The effect of Stavudine on driving and working with machines

Stavudine can make you dizzy and drowsy, so make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.

 

Stavudine drug interactions

Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.

Acetaminophen may interact with the following drugs: Drugs that can cause neurological problems (such as isoniazid, vincristine), didanosine, doxorubicin, orlistat, zidovudine, hydroxyurea.

 

Special warnings and precautions while taking Stavudine

Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking Stavudine:

• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding your baby.
• If you have any liver or kidney problems.
• If you have ever had a cardiovascular problem.
• If you drink alcohol.
• If you have ever had pancreatitis or pancreatitis.
• If you have ever had peripheral neuropathy. The disease causes burning or numbness in the hands or feet.
• If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor’s prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
• If you have a history of an allergic reaction to another medicine.

Although treatment with antiretroviral drugs can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV from you to others through sexual contact, it does not stop it. It is important to use a condom.

 

Side effects of Stavudine

All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away after a short time of taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:

• Skin rash: Tell your doctor immediately if the rash becomes more severe.
• Numbness in the arms, hands and feet: If this complication gets worse, tell your doctor immediately.
• Nausea, indigestion and abdominal pain: Eat simple foods and avoid spicy and high-fat foods.
• Diarrhea: Drink plenty of water to replenish lost water.
• Drowsiness, weakness and dizziness: In this situation, avoid driving and working with tools.
• Headache: Ask your doctor to prescribe a suitable painkiller.
• Decreased appetite, sleep problems, depression: Consult your doctor if any of these are a problem.

Important Note: Your doctor will talk to you about the possibility of lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Feeling sick, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, rapid breathing or shortness of breath

Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel may be due to the use of acetaminophen.

 

Overdose of acetaminophen (drug poisoning)

• Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
• If you feel that someone has been poisoned and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting and weakness (fainting), call the emergency room immediately.

 

Storage conditions of Stavudine

• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
• Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.