Stavudine

Brand names

• Zerit

Usage

To treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. While not a cure for HIV infection, this medicament may suppress the replication of the virus and delay the progression of the disease.

How it works

Stavudine (d4T) interferes with the activity of enzymes needed for the replication of DNA in viral cells, thus preventing the virus from reproducing.

Side effects

Serious

Burning, tingling, pain, or numbness in hands or feet. Also fever, muscle aches, joint pain, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual fatigue.

Common

No common side effects are associated with the use of stavudine.

Less common

Diarrhea, insomnia, headache, loss of appetite, general weakness and loss of energy.

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

Stavudine taken concurrently with:

• other medicaments such as metronidazole (Flagyl) that can cause peripheral neuropathy should be avoided if possible.

Stavudine may increase the effects of:



• didanosine (Videx) at specific medicament concentration ratios.
• zidovudine (AZT) at specific medicament concentration ratios.

Stavudine may decrease the effects of:



• didanosine (Videx) at specific medicament concentration ratios.
• zidovudine (AZT) at specific medicament concentration ratios.

Herbal medicines or minerals:

Some patients use Echinacea to attempt to boost their immune systems. Unfortunately, use of Echinacea is not recommended in people with damaged immune systems. This herb may also actually weaken any immune system if it is used too often or for too long a time.

Discontinuation:

Do not stop this medicament without your doctor's knowledge and guidance.