HIVID

Drug Name: HIVID

HIVID DESCRIPTION:
ZALCITABINE (DDC) - ORAL (zal-SITE-uh-bean)

COMMON HIVID BRAND NAME(S):
HIVID

HIVID SIDE EFFECTS:
HIVID may cause stomach upset, mouth sores, diarrhea, rash, headache, fatigue or fever during the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist, or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience numbness, tingling, a burning or shooting pain of the extremities, severe stomach pain or heartburn, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, skin rash, pain in swallowing, fast or difficult breathing, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin or muscle aches. HIVID can affect the blood causing severe anemia and decreased blood cell counts requiring blood transfusion. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE HIVID:
HIVID: Take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed along with zidovudine.

HIVID WARNING:
HIVID may infrequently cause severe side effects which sometimes could be fatal. Zalcitabine can cause severe nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), and should be used with extreme caution in those who already suffer from this disorder. It may rarely cause swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Tell your doctor immediately if vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, or persistent nausea occur, as HIVID may be stopped until you can be checked. A metabolic disorder (lactic acidosis) as well as severe liver disease may also occur. Rarely, fatal liver failure has occurred in those with hepatitis B infection while using zalcitabine. It should be used with caution if you have a hepatitis B infection. Tell your doctor immediately if tingling/numbness of the hands and feet, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, rapid breathing, muscle aches, or unusual drowsiness occur.

HIVID USES:
HIVID inhibits the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that have advanced HIV infection. HIVID is not a cure and has not been shown to reduce the frequency of HIV related illness.

HIVID PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of pancreatic disease, peripheral neuropathy (tingling of the hands or feet); heart, liver or kidney disease; any major infection, injury or surgery; alcohol usage and of any allergies. Avoid alcohol. HIVID should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if zalcitabine is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the newborn from possible HIV tranmission.

HIVID DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of chloramphenicol, cisplatin, dapsone, disulfiram, ethionamide, glutethimide, gold, hydralazine, iodoquinol, phenytoin, ribavirin, nitrofurantoin, isoniazid, metronidazole and vincristine. Food decreases the absorption of HIVID. Follow your doctor's instructions with regard to eating and taking HIVID. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

HIVID OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

HIVID NOTES:
Blood tests should be done routinely to monitor for anemia and to ensure it is working properly. HIVID is very potent and should not be shared.

MISSED HIVID DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

HIVID STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.