Ddc

 
Generic Name: zalcitabine

Brands: Hivid

---

What is the most important information I should know about Ddc?

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of Ddc, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of Ddc. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Ddc. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.

· Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of treatment with Ddc which may cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Ddc is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

 

What is Ddc?

· Ddc is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Ddc inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.

· Ddc is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ddc is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

· Ddc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ddc?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·liver disease;     ·kidney disease;     ·pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);     ·peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands or feet); or     ·an enlarged heart or congestive heart failure.

· You may not be able to take Ddc, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Ddc is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Ddc will be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to treat HIV/AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

· It is not known whether Ddc passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed.

 

How should I take Ddc?

· Take Ddc exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Ddc can be taken with or without food.

· Do not take Ddc at the same time as an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum (e.g. Rolaids, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, others).

· Ddc is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· It is important to take Ddc regularly to get the most benefit.

· Treatment of HIV/AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Ddc to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Ddc at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Ddc overdose are unknown but might include a loss of feeling or tingling in your hands or feet, nausea, and drowsiness.

 

What should I avoid while taking Ddc?

· Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Ddc is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.

· Avoid alcohol while taking Ddc. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/or liver.

· Do not take Ddc at the same time as an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum (e.g. Rolaids, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, others).

 

What are the possible side effects of Ddc?

· Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of Ddc, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.

· Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of Ddc. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

· Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of treatment with Ddc which may cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ddc and seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue);     ·shortness of breath or swelling of the hands or feet (water retention); or     ·sores in the mouth or throat.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Ddc and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache;     ·mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;     ·fatigue; or     ·redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Ddc?

· Do not take Ddc at the same time as an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum (e.g. Rolaids, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, others).

· Ddc may interact with other medications resulting in reduced effectiveness and/or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Ddc written for health professionals that you may read.

Print this page