Hivid

What is it?

An anti-HW agent which is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It inhibits the activity of the enzyme HIV reverse transcriptase and disrupts the replication and spread of the virus within the body. Available as beige or grey oval, film-coated tablets containing 0.375mg and 0.75mg of zalcitabine, respectively, marked with strength, name and Roche.

Medical Uses

Combination therapy with antiretroviral drugs in HIV infection.

Dosage

Adults, 0.75mg every 8 hours. Special cure: pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver disorder, past alcohol abuse, heart failure. Patients with low CD4 (cell) count, at risk of pancreatitis or peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) should be monitored for haemotological changes, serum amylase (an enzyme in blood) and blood biochemistry.

Avoid Use

Children, peripheral neuropathy (damage affecting peripheral nerves).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that may cause peripheral neuropathy, didanosine, intravenous pentamidine, foscarnet, aminoglycosides, amphotericin.

Known Side Effects

Peripheral neuropathy, rash, gastrointestinal upset, itching, pancreatitis, sweats, rarely, ulcer in oesophagus, anaphylaxis, severe liver enlargement with steatosis (serious effects from disruption of fat metabolism) or liver failure. All adverse reactions to be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Manufacturer

Roche.