Zimbabwe stops ARV drug for Aids patients

Zimbabwe has stopped the use of Stavudine, an anti-retroviral drug, on patients suffering from HIV and Aids-related complications because of its adverse side effects, an official has revealed.

Speaking on Friday at a meeting held at a local hotel organised by SayWhat, an organisation dealing with sexual and productive health in tertiary institutions, Dr Joseph Murungu said the drug had serious side effects to the extent that the government had resolved to stop using it.

Murungu could not be drawn to shed light on when the government banned the drug. He said the drug was no longer common and administered to patients who are on ART because of its effects.

Some of the side effects of using the drug are a big stomach and an above-normal growth in back and calf muscles.