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Zalcitabine

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IMPORTANT WARNING:

Zalcitabine is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking zalcitabine, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

Zalcitabine can cause severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, severe liver damage or failure, lactic acidosis, and a serious nerve disorder called peripheral neuropathy. Some may even lead to death.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: unusual breathing, loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin, pale stools, stomach pain, or numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the fingers or toes. Your doctor may have you stop taking your medicine.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to zalcitabine.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Zalcitabine is used alone or with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It will slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. Zalcitabine is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Zalcitabine does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Zalcitabine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take zalcitabine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take zalcitabine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking zalcitabine without talking to your doctor.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

HIVID®

Other names

ddC	dideoxycytidine

Notes:

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EditText of this page (last edited December 3, 2009)