Stavir 30 mg Capsule

Stavudine (Stavir 30 mg)

Stavir 30 mg (Stavudine), Stavudine is used in combination with other anti-viral drugs in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It does not cure the infection, but prevents the spread of HIV and HIV-related illnesses such as suppression of immunity, cancer and other infections. Stavudine belongs to a group of drugs called as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Uses

Stavudine is used in combination with other anti-viral drugs in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It does not cure the infection, but prevents the spread of HIV and HIV-related illnesses such as suppression of immunity, cancer and other infections.

How it works

Stavudine (Stavir 30 mg) belongs to a group of drugs called as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by inhibiting multiplication of viruses thus decreasing their levels in the infected patient.

What is Stavudine?

It is an antiviral drug that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus from multiplying in the body. This medication is used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It will however, not cure the body of HIV. This medication is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Zerit and Stavir (made by Cipla).

Important Information about Stavudine

• You must not take It HIV/AIDS medication (Zerit, Stavir) if you have a known allergy to it or any ingredient in it. Notify your doctor in advance if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or if you have used a similar medicine (similar to Stavudine) in the past such as abacavir, didanosine, emtricitabine, or others. • This is to make sure that this medicine is safe for you or ont. Also, do not take Stavudine if you are already taking a combination HIV medicine that contains zidovudine.
• Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people who took It. Initial symptoms of lactic acidosis may deteriorate over time and can prove fatal. Hence you must get medical attention right away on first signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in the limbs, breathing trouble, stomach pain, or nausea with vomiting.
• It can also cause severe or life threatening damage to your liver or pancreas. Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver or pancreas damage: sever pain in upper stomach which advances to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeats, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, or jaundice.
• It is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known if it can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. HIV can be transmitted to your baby if you are not treated properly during pregnancy.

Before taking Stavudine

Before taking Stavudine, take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.

Stavudine Dosage:

You may take Stavudine with or without food. This medicine is taken once every 12 hours normally. Maintain a fixed dosing schedule to ensure the proper amount of medicine in your body. HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Always take the prescribed drugs as directed by your doctor. Store this medication in a cool and dry place.

Missdose

If you miss a dose of Stavudine, take it as soon as you remember. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Stavudine, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately.or call the Doctor immediately.

How should I take Stavudine?

Take Stavudine HIV/AIDS medication (Zerit, Stavir) strictly according to your doctor?s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Stavudine

Do not drink alcohol while taking Stavudine as it can increase the risk of liver or pancreas damage. This medicine will not help your body get rid of HIV/AIDS. It will only stop the growth and multiplication of the virus. Chances of spreading the HIV will still remain the same through unprotected s**, infected razors, needles or toothbrush. Hence, avoid these activities and things.

Side Effects of Stavudine

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Stavudine Dosing Information

Stavudine dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, s**, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor?s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Certain drugs like didanosine, doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, interferon-alfa, or ribavirin. However, these are not the only drugs that can potentially interact with Stavudine. There can be others. You must inform your doctor about all the medications which you may be taking. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.

Expert advice

• Take stavudine at least one hour before food.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this drug as it may cause dizziness.
• Tell your doctor before taking the stavudine if you have liver or kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling and pain in the limbs) or pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas) or if you are lactose-intolerant.
• Inform your doctor before taking stavudine if you are taking other medications like zidovudine, didanosine, doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, or ribavirin.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you notice problems with pancreas or liver function or suffer from symptoms of lactic acidosis (you can have nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, rapid and/or deep breathing, neurological symptoms).
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking stavudine as it may worsen the side effects.
• Take necessary precautions while using stavudine to prevent the spread of HIV to others.
• Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

FAQs

Q: Can stavudine be used during pregnancy?
A: Stavudine should only be used if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the baby. Please follow your doctor?s advice regarding its use.

Q: Can stavudine be used during breastfeeding?
A: Stavudine is not safe for the baby and should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. HIV infected women should not breastfeeding their infant due to risk of HIV transmission. Consult your doctor before taking the drug.

Q: What is stavudine used for?
A: Stavudine is used to prevent the spread of HIV or its related illness in the infected patient