Zerit (Generic)

Zerit (Stavudine)

General information

Zerit belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). It is used with other medications to help control your HIV infection. HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zerit is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus. Zerit helps to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of the problems associated with HIV disease and AIDS.

Directions

Take Zerit exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose is based on body weight. Those weighing less than 60 kg usually take a dose of 30 mg every 12 hours, while those weighing 60 kg or more take a dose of 40 mg every 12 hours. Adults who have impaired kidney function, is taking certain other medications require lower doses. Take Zerit with or without food at the same time every day. Take it with a full glass of water.

Precautions

Before taking Zerit you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, kidney disease, kidney failure, pancreatitis, nerve problems, peripheral neuropathy, gallbladder problems, gallstones, any allergies. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems or pancreatitis. The older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.

Contraindications

Do not take Zerit if you are allergic to stavudine or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should not be used by a child younger than 3 months old.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, pale stools, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, tiredness, weakness, tiredness, back pain, muscle pain, chills, swollen abdomen, difficulty sleeping. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: ribavirin, hydroxyurea, didanosine, zidovudine, interferon-alfa, doxorubicin. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are numbness, burning, tingly feeling, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.