Drugs & Vitamins

Zalcitabine Active Ingredients: Zalcitabine Representative Names: Hivid, ddC, dideoxycytidine Available Product Images: What are zalcitabine tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with zalcitabine? What side effects may I notice from taking zalcitabine? What should I watch for while taking zalcitabine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are zalcitabine tablets? (Back to top) ZALCITABINE, ddC (Hivid®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Zalcitabine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Zalcitabine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Zalcitabine is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Zalcitabine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic zalcitabine tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages •high cholesterol •kidney disease •liver disease •pancreatitis •tingling or numbness in the hands or feet •an unusual or allergic reaction to zalcitabine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take zalcitabine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. Take zalcitabine on an empty stomach, 1 hours before or 2 hours after food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with zalcitabine? (Back to top) •alcohol •amphotericin •certain antibiotics (usually given in the hospital) •didanosine, ddI •foscarnet •lamivudine, 3TC •stavudine, d4T •ribavirin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking zalcitabine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •back pain •changes in body appearance (such as weight gain or loss around the waist and/or face) •fever or chills, sore throat •nausea, vomiting •stomach pain •tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet •unusual bleeding or bruising •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •muscle and joint pain •skin rash, itching •sore or ulcerated mouth What should I watch for while taking zalcitabine? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Alcohol can increase the risk of developing severe side effects when taken with zalcitabine. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking zalcitabine. Do not treat yourself for nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet. Zalcitabine will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking zalcitabine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:02/16/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.