As per recent reports, it has been reported that Aids researchers and activists are opposing SA trial for a lower-dose type of antiretroviral stavudine. They have claimed that the drug has devastating side-effects on HIV patients.

They have affirmed that the major side-effect of the drug is peripheral neuropathy. However, it can be controlled by reducing the dose of the drug. The symptoms associated with the condition include, burning, stiffness, tingling and numbness.

Moreover, it has been acknowledged that stavudine is majorly associated with the occurrence of lipodystrophy or unusual redistribution of fat, amongst all ARVs. Moreover, the drug is no longer suggested by World Health Organization.

It has been reported that Treatment Action Campaign, Médecins Sans Frontières and the Treatment Action Group have raised concerns regarding stavudine and warned that the drug is more toxic than its competitor tenofovir.

Moreover, it has been administered that patients have to spend lot of finances to treat the side-effects incurred as a result of the drug. However, those in support of stavudine said, “Tenofovir is unaffordable”.

The TAC/MSF group said, “The price had already halved and might come down more by the end of the trial, which could take nine years to complete”.