Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

Keep taking stavudine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed specifically for you. Do not share your medicine with others.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

The capsule should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush or dissolve.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Shake the oral liquid before use. Use a specially marked measuring cup or other device to measure each dose accurately.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (capsules or oral solution):
    • For treatment of HIV infection:
      • Adults and children weighing 60 kilograms (kg) or more—40 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Adults and children weighing less than 60 kg—30 mg every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children weighing 30 kg or more—30 mg every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children at least 14 days old and weighing less than 30 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1 mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Infants from birth to 13 days old—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 0.5 mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator and throw away any unused medicine after 30 days. Take any unused medicine to a community take-back program when available. If a program is not available in your area, ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use. Do not throw it in the trash.

Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of any capsules you do not use.