STAVUDINE is an antiretroviral medicine used in the treatment of HIV. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retroviral infection that attacks and damages the cells of the immune system. This weakens the ability to fight against infections and diseases. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Symptoms of HIV include fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, etc. STAVUDINE is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV infection.
STAVUDINE contains Stavudine, which belongs to the class of protease nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inhibiting the nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for the virus's DNA reproduction. This causes inhibition of viral replication and thereby prevents further spread of infection. STAVUDINE is only used to treat the infection but not cure or prevent it.
STAVUDINE may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, cough, diarrhoea, nasal congestion, fever, tiredness, muscle pain, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. STAVUDINE should be taken as advised by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
STAVUDINE should be avoided if you are allergic to it or if you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medicines you take to prevent possible interactions. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have heart problems, liver/kidney diseases, blood disorders, or gastrointestinal disorders. This medicine may cause hepatic impairment, severe anaemia, pancreatitis, lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, hepatic toxicity, or peripheral problems. STAVUDINE should be used in children only if recommended by the doctor. If prescribed, the child should be carefully monitored for any changes.
HIV Infection.
STAVUDINE contains Stavudine, which belongs to the class of protease nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inhibiting the nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes that are necessary for the virus's DNA reproduction. This causes inhibition of viral replication and thereby prevents further spread of infection. STAVUDINE is combined with other antiretroviral medicines to help reduce the symptoms, control the disease, and prevent opportunistic infections effectively. It also helps improve the quality of life of a patient with HIV.
STAVUDINE should be avoided if you are allergic to it or If you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medicines you take to prevent possible interactions. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have heart problems, liver/kidney diseases, blood disorders, or gastrointestinal disorders. This medicine may cause hepatic impairment, severe anaemia, pancreatitis, lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, hepatic toxicity, or peripheral problems. Inform your doctor about your complete medication history, especially the use of STAVUDINE with didanosine and hydroxyurea regimen or interferon and ribavirin-based regimen, zidovudine, ganciclovir, ritonavir, daunorubicin, bleomycin, idarubicin, epirubicin and doxorubicin as it can cause serious adverse effects. STAVUDINE should be used in children only if recommended by the doctor. If prescribed, the child should be carefully monitored for any changes. STAVUDINE treats the infection but does not cure or prevent it. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence, avoid driving or operating machines while taking STAVUDINE.
Drug-Drug Interactions: STAVUDINE may interact with antifungal medications (e.g. Ketoconazole), anticancer medications (e.g. Bexarotene, Pexidartinib), antirheumatic drugs (e.g. Leflunomide), lipid-lowering drugs (e.g. lomitapide) and HIV medications (e.g. Zidovudine)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: STAVUDINE interacts with various disease conditions, including Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts, hepatotoxicity (damage to your liver), diabetes, Alcoholism, pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), Peripheral neuropathy (peripheral nerve damage) and Renal dysfunction.
Avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with STAVUDINE. Alcohol intake might increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while taking STAVUDINE.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, inform your doctor before taking STAVUDINE. Stavudine is not recommended for use in pregnant women with HIV due to its toxicity.
STAVUDINE is excreted in milk. You should not nurse your child if you take this medicine because of the risk of HIV-1 transmission and serious adverse reactions in breastfeeding infants.
Avoid driving vehicles after taking STAVUDINE as it may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive.
STAVUDINE should be used cautiously in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. In severe liver problems, it may increase the risk of hepatic toxicity. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
STAVUDINE should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
STAVUDINE is safe for use in children if prescribed by your paediatrician. Your doctor will decide the dose of this medicine based on the age and condition of your child.
HIV Infection: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retroviral infection that attacks and damages the cells of the immune system. This weakens the ability to fight against infections and diseases. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Virus (AIDS). Symptoms of HIV include headache, fever, chills, joint pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, mouth nodes, muscle aches, etc. STAVUDINE helps reduce the symptoms, control the infection, and also helps improve the HIV patient’s quality of life.