Uses: This drug is used with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It may also lower your risk of complications from HIV (such as new infections, cancers). Stavudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). Stavudine is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).