ZALCITABINE (DDC)-ORAL (cont.)
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.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: pancreatic disease, peripheral neuropathy (tingling of the hands or feet), heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, major infections/injuries/surgeries, alcohol usage, allergies (especially drug allergies). Avoid alcohol. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if zalcitabine is excreted into 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 medications because very serious interactions may occur: lamivudine. If you are currently using lamivudine, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting zalcitabine. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: chloramphenicol, cisplatin, dapsone, disulfiram, ethionamide, glutethimide, gold, hydralazine, iodoquinol, phenytoin, ribavirin, nitrofurantoin, isoniazid, metronidazole, vincristine. Food decreases the absorption of this drug. Follow your doctor's instructions with regard to eating and taking this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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