Stavudine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (STAY-view-deen)
Stavudine Oral Uses
This drug is used in combination with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (e.g., new infections, cancer). Stavudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI).
Stavudine is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing used needles).
How To Use Stavudine Oral
Read the Patient Information Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using stavudine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. Stavudine solution is specially prepared by your pharmacist with instructions from your doctor. Take the correct dosage as prescribed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your age, weight, kidney function, medical condition, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
