Hivid (zalcitabine) is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection.

Do not take Hivid (zalcitabine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Hivid (zalcitabine)

Before using Hivid (zalcitabine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a nervous system disease if you have a history of liver disease, including hepatitis B if you have impaired kidney function if you regularly consume alcoholic beverages if you have diabetes if you have heart problems if you have any other medical condition

Severe side effects, including nerve disease and rarely, inflammation of the pancreas, have been associated with Hivid (zalcitabine). Severe and fatal cases of lactic acid imbalance in the blood and liver failure have also been reported with the use of Hivid (zalcitabine).

Other:  Fever; depression; swollen, painful joints.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Hivid (zalcitabine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Hivid (zalcitabine) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Before taking Hivid (zalcitabine), talk with your health care provider about what medicines should not be taken with Hivid (zalcitabine). Hivid (zalcitabine) must be taken with other medicines that treat HIV infection to be effective. Do not take Hivid (zalcitabine) at the same time you take antacids containing magnesium or aluminum. When Hivid (zalcitabine) supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Hivid (zalcitabine) if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, and may become harder to treat. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet, report these symptoms to your health care provider. Parents should closely watch their children for these symptoms if they are taking Hivid (zalcitabine). Inform your health care provider if your child has ever experienced any of these symptoms. Contact your health care provider if severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain occurs. Hivid (zalcitabine) is not a cure for HIV infection and you may continue to acquire illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection. Remain under the care of your health care provider. Hivid (zalcitabine) offers no protection from the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV-1. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Hivid (zalcitabine). Lab tests will be required while taking Hivid (zalcitabine). Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Hivid (zalcitabine) without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Hivid (zalcitabine). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Hivid (zalcitabine) tablets between 59 to 86 degrees F. Keep bottle tightly closed.