362 stavudine, zidovudine
warning!
stavudine
(d4T, Zerit)
Stavudine is an antiretroviral (ARV)
medicine used in combination with other
ARVs to treat AIDS.
Side effects: Tingling, numbness, or
burning feeling in the arms or legs. Seek
care immediately for nausea, vomiting,
severe abdominal pain, tiredness with
shortness of breath, changes in body fat.
Often comes in: Capsules of 15, 20, 30,
40 mg; powder for oral solution of
5 mg/5 ml
How to use:
Take 30 mg 2 times a day.
WARNING: Pregnant women
and women who are heavy
should not take stavudine if other
medicines are available. See the chart and
the note below it on page 360.
zidovudine
(AZT, ZDV, Azidothymidine, Retrovir)
Zidovudine is an antiretroviral (ARV)
medicine used in combination with other
ARVs to treat AIDS. It is also used to
prevent mother-to-child transmission of
HIV in pregnancy and during birth.
Side effects: Tiredness and shortness of
breath. Seek care immediately for pale
skin or other signs of anemia.
Often comes in: Capsules of 100 or
250 mg; tablets of 300 mg; oral solution
or syrup of 50 mg/5 ml; solution for
IV infusion injection of 10 mg/ml in a
20 ml vial
How to use:
Take 300 mg 2 times a day
Interactions with other medicines:
With dapsone: may cause anemia
With valproic acid: the levels of
zidovudine may increase and cause
nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
With rifampicin: may reduce the
effectiveness of the zidovudine
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007