Who Should Take Stavudine?
Stavudine was approved in 1994 as an antiretroviral drug (ARV) for people with HIV infection from newborns through adults. There are no absolute rules about when to start ART. You and your health care provider should consider your CD4-cell count, your viral load, any symptoms you are having, and your attitude about taking ART. Fact Sheet 404 has more information about guidelines for the use of ART. Stavudine can have serious side effects. In 2009, the World Health Organization recommended that it no longer be used for initial treatment of HIV infection. If you take stavudine with other ARVs, you can reduce your viral load to extremely low levels, and increase your CD4 cell counts. This should mean staying healthier longer. Pregnant women face special risks when taking stavudine. See the information below on lactic acidosis and drug reactions.
