STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE belongs to the class of medications called ‘antiretroviral agents’ used in the treatment of HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune cells of the body leading to decreased immunity. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness and sore throat that usually last for days to several weeks.
STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE is a combination of three medicines: Stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may cause side effects such as headache, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, fever, rash, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hands). Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE, inform your doctor if you have any liver disease, hepatitis B or C (liver infections), a history of mental illness, seriously overweight and have kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE should be used with caution in children and elderly patients. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
HIV infection
STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE belongs to the group of medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART). STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE contains stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. Thereby preventing viral replication and controlling the infection. It helps in improving the quality of life of a patient with HIV.
Inform your doctor if you develop persistent diarrhea or vomiting, as it may affect the effectiveness of STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), so inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting or stomach pain. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may lead to opportunistic infections (infections that occur frequently or severely in patients with weak immune systems), so inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of infection such as muscle weakness, weakness beginning in the hands and feet that progress towards the trunk, palpitations (pounding heartbeat) and tremors. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may destroy bone leading to symptoms such as joint stiffness or pain. It may also cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Speak with your doctor about the precautions to follow to avoid infecting other people as one can still pass on HIV while on this medicine, although the risk is somewhat lowered by antiretroviral therapy, it can spread through sexual contact with a person who already has the infection or by transfer of infected blood. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE does not cure HIV infection. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE can make hormonal contraceptives less effective or less likely to work. So, use other effective methods for contraception, including a barrier form (cervical cap, condom, diaphragm, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy as advised by your doctor. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE is not recommended in pregnancy as could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. You may need frequent medical tests while on STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Hydroxyurea (anti-cancer), Bactrim (antibiotic), an antibiotic or antifungal medicine, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, a blood thinner (warfarin), heart or blood pressure medication, a seizure medication.
Drug-Food Interactions: STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may have interaction with St.John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression). Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption while on this medication.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), renal dysfunction, liver disease (or a history of hepatitis or cirrhosis).
Avoid drinking alcohol while on STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is given only if clinically needed and when benefits outweigh the risk.
If STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE is prescribed during breastfeeding, the doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding as this medicine can pass into breast milk.
STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
STAVUDINE+LAMIVUDINE+NEVIRAPINE should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Dose adjustment may be necessary for use in children when prescribed by a child specialist.
HIV infection: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral agents.