wholesalemedicine.org

Roche / Hivid

Generic Name: zalcitabine (zal SIGH ta been).
Brand Names: Hivid.

What is the most important information I should know about zalcitabine?

• Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of zalcitabine, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.
• Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of zalcitabine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Avoid alcohol while taking zalcitabine. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.
• Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of treatment with zalcitabine which may cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
• Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Zalcitabine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

What is zalcitabine?

• Zalcitabine is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Zalcitabine inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.
• Zalcitabine is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zalcitabine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
• Zalcitabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.