Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine
About Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine belongs to the class of medications called ‘antiretroviral agents’ used in the treatment of HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune cells of the body leading to decreased immunity. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness and sore throat that usually last for days to several weeks.
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine is a combination of three medicines: Stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine may cause side effects such as headache, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, fever, rash, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hands). Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine, inform your doctor if you have any liver disease, hepatitis B or C (liver infections), a history of mental illness, seriously overweight and have kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine should be used with caution in children and elderly patients. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects. Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine
Medicinal Benefits
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine belongs to the group of medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine contains stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine. Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. Thereby preventing viral replication and controlling the infection. It helps in improving the quality of life of a patient with HIV.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Diarrhea
- Dryness in mouth
- Fever
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral agents.
FAQs
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine is a combination of three medicines: Stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine. These three drugs work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working, which is required by the HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. Thereby preventing viral replication and controlling the infection.
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine may cause side-effects such as muscle pain and discomfort, difficulty in sleeping, stomach pains, allergic reactions, feeling sick, vomiting, inflammation of the liver, changes in the shape or location of body fat. Inform your doctor if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine may cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but a severe side effect, especially in women who are very obese. However, if you experience stomach pain, vomiting or nausea while taking Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine, please consult a doctor immediately.
Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine doesn’t cure HIV infection. However, it helps to control the disease and prevent opportunistic infections.
No, Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not stop taking Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine, you may experience confusion, fever, mental state changes or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
