Zalcitabine



HividŽ







Zalcitabine

(zal SITE a been)

U.S. Brand Names
HividŽ
Canadian Brand Names
HividŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Nucleoside)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may cause pain in the hands or feet. If you have a loss of feeling or painful sensation in your hands or feet, talk with healthcare provider before starting this medicine. This medicine may irritate the pancreas, damage the liver, or change acid levels in the blood. Closely review the section in this leaflet which lists when to call healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to zalcitabine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work?
  • Zalcitabine works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take antacids within 1 hour of this medicine.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
  • Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling tired or weak.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: