SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect of this medication is peripheral neuropathy (nerve disorder). Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, tingling, burning or pain of the hands or feet. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these. Headache, diarrhea or nausea or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if any of these serious side effects occur: chills, fever, sore throat, itch, rash, changes in body fat, muscle aches, trouble sleeping, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, rapid breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver diseases, pancreatitis, nerve disease, heart disease, major injury/surgery/infection, alcohol usage, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in human breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the newborn from possible HIV transmission.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: zidovudine. If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting stavudine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other drugs used to treat HIV disease (e.g., didanosine, lamivudine).. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.