How does it work?

Zalcitabine (ddC or DDC), is a medicine used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, the body cannot fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus is inside the CD4 T-cell it multiplies. When viruses multiply the genetic material is copied (this involves the conversion of RNA to DNA). Zalcitabine works by interfering with this copying process. It blocks an essential enzyme (called reverse transcriptase) which is essential for the copying process, therefore the virus can't multiply. There is no cure for HIV, but zalcitabine is one of a number of medicines that slows the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. Zalcitabine is used in conjunction with other anti-HIV drugs to prevent resistance occurring.

What is it used for?

HIV infection

Warning!

It may be necessary to monitor serum amylase concentrations in patients with a history of pancreatitis, alcohol abuse, or receiving parenteral nutrition.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience persistent numbness, tingling or pain in your feet and/or hands while taking this medicine, as this could be indicative of a nerve problem called peripheral neuropathy.

Treatment should be stopped immediately if inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) occurs - symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Treatment should also be temporarily stopped if treatment with another drug known to cause toxicity to the pancreas is started.

Use with caution in

Alcoholism

Any long term disorder affecting the muscle of the heart (cardiomyopathy)

Decreased kidney function

Heart failure

History or risk of pancreatitis

Liver disease

Risk of or susceptibility to numbness and weakness in the extremities, caused by damage to the nerves (peripheral neuropathy)

Not to be used in

Numbness and weakness in the extremities, caused by damage to the nerves (peripheral neuropathy)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended that women infected with the HIV virus must not breastfeed their infants under any circumstances, in order to avoid transmission of the virus to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Fatigue

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Weight loss

Disturbance in the components of the blood

Mouth ulcers

Fever (pyrexia)

Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness (peripheral neuropathy)

Dizziness

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Loss of appetite

Chest pain

Liver disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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