|  | Conditions Treatments | HIV AIDS

Side Effects of Stavudine

Stavudine is a prescription medicine used alongside other medications to to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The aim is to improve the lives of people with HIV. It also helps decrease the chance of complications occurring due to the virus. Some possible side effects of Stavudine could occur.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • There are a handful of common side effects of Stavudine, and they tend subside quickly. However, if they persist or intensify, notify your physician. These common side effects include body fat changes, appetite loss, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Some people also might experience more serious side effects, which include fast breathing, high blood sugar signs (like abnormal drowsiness, thirst, frequent urination and confusion), abnormal weakness, exhaustion, pain, numbness, tingling of the hands or feet, weakness in the legs or arms, jaundice, muscle weakness or pain, fever, chills, darker colored urine, imbalance of lactic acid (feeling cold, dizzy, lightheadedness or irregular or slow heartbeat), sore throat, shortness of breath, sudden and rapid weight loss and extreme or lingering vomiting and nausea. In these situations, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions also can occur from taking Stavudine, which include chest heaviness, swelling, skin rash, hives and problems breathing. If you experience these symptoms, call for emergency medical care.

    Caution

    • Stavudine is not suitable for everyone. Those advised to not use this medication include those using zidovudine, hydroxyurea or didanosine. The list also includes anyone allergic to any of Stavudine's components, those with lactic acidosis and those with an enlarged liver.

    Overdose

    • If you suspect that you might have taken too much Stavudine, get emergency medical assistance. Some Stavudine overdose symptoms include yellowing of the eyes or skin and tingling or numbness of the feet or hands.

HIV AIDS - Related Articles