ZALCITABINE (DDC) - ORAL (HIVID) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

ZALCITABINE (DDC)-ORAL Index

ZALCITABINE (DDC)-ORAL, HIVID

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GENERIC NAME: ZALCITABINE (DDC) - ORAL (zal-SITE-uh-bean)

BRAND NAME(S): HIVID

WARNING: This drug may infrequently cause severe side effects which sometimes could be fatal. Zalcitabine can cause severe nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), and should be used with extreme caution in those who already suffer from this disorder. It may rarely cause swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Tell your doctor immediately if vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, or persistent nausea occur, as this drug may be stopped until you can be checked. A metabolic disorder (lactic acidosis) as well as severe liver disease may also occur. Rarely, fatal liver failure has occurred in those with hepatitis B infection while using zalcitabine. It should be used with caution if you have a hepatitis B infection. Tell your doctor immediately if tingling/numbness of the hands and feet, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, rapid breathing, muscle aches, or unusual drowsiness occur.

USES: This medication inhibits the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that have advanced HIV infection. This medication is not a cure and has not been shown to reduce the frequency of HIV related illness. One group of HIV medications (the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs such as zidovudine and lamivudine) are very useful. However, NRTIs are recommended to be used in combination with other groups of HIV medications in order to be effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed along with zidovudine.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, mouth sores, diarrhea, rash, headache, fatigue or fever during the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist, or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: numbness/tingling/ burning/shooting pain of the extremities, severe stomach pain or heartburn, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, skin rash, pain in swallowing, fast or difficult breathing, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, muscle aches. This medication can affect the blood causing severe anemia and decreased blood cell counts requiring blood transfusion. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. 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.