stavudine, a synthetic thymidine nucleoside analog. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in combination with other drugs for the treatment of adults with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, generally those who are intolerant of other approved therapies. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to this drug or to any of its components prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The side effects most often reported include peripheral neuropathies (occur more commonly than with comparable medications), elevation of hepatic transaminase levels, headache, chills, fever, asthenia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
