University of Washington
AIDS Clinical Trials Group
Drug Information Sheet
|
Stavudine-XR |
Other Names: stavudine-XR,
Zerit®-XR
Manufacturer: Bristol-Meyers
Squibb
What is it?
Stavudine is an antiretroviral drug, specifically a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It is used to treat HIV, a retrovirus. Retroviruses use the genetic material in the body’s cells to produce more virus which can infect other cells.
How does it work?
Stavudine interferes with the life cycle of HIV to stop it from producing more virus. Specifically, it ties up the reverse transcriptase enzyme so it cannot build the genetic material needed to make more virus and infect more cells.
How do I take it?
·
Stavudine
is available in 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg capsules.
·
The
usual dose is one capsule (100 mg or 75 mg if weight is less than 60 kg) once
daily.
·
Stavudine
may be taken with or without food.
It is extremely important that you take
stavudine and your other antiretroviral medications exactly as directed. You should set up a system that will help
you remember to take your medicines so that you do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as
possible; however, if you skip a dose, do not take two doses at once. Do not stop taking the medication for any
reason at any time unless you are directed to do so by your study
clinician. If you are unable to continue taking your medication due to side
effects, you should contact your study clinician immediately.
Special Considerations
·
Stavudine
should be stored at controlled room temperature in a dry place, out of the
reach of children.
·
Please
bring your medication bottles (empty and partially used) to each study visit.
Interactions
Some
drugs taken together may have interactions that cause illness or impair the
effectiveness of the drugs. It is a good
idea to always check with your study clinician before taking any other
medications, prescription or otherwise, to be sure it will not interact with
stavudine.
It
is possible that taking stavudine with other medicines that have a potential to
cause peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbing sensation in hands and/or
feet) may increase your risk of developing neuropathy. Some medications used to treat cancer are
known to cause neuropathy as well as zalcitabine (Hivid®) and didanosine (Videx®), which are both
antiretroviral HIV medications.
Not everyone experiences side effects. When they do occur, they may be mild, moderate or severe. Some side effects cannot be felt by the patient but can be found through laboratory tests, so it is important to see your study clinician regularly for checkups so that side effects can be detected early and treated.
The
most common side effects of stavudine is peripheral
neuropathy (tingling or numb sensation in the hands and/or feet). Other
side effects seen with stavudine include fever, headache, pancreatitis
(inflammation of the pancreas which may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain),
changes in liver function, neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and anemia (low
red cell count).
·
Symptoms
of anemia or neutropenia that you may notice include unusual tiredness or
weakness, shortness of breath, or any sign of infection. If you begin having these symptoms, please
contact your study clinician.
· Excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.
Some antiretroviral medications may damage mitochondria (the energy producing portion of human cells), and impair the ability of human cells to generate energy. Some of the symptoms that may indicate this is occurring include:
· peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in fingers and toes)
· lactic acidosis (increased production of lactate which causes shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach)
Last Updated: 4/30/02