Zerit (Stavudine)

This medicine is a nucleoside analogue antiviral used in combination with other medicines to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Zerit is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, the infection continually spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Specifically, zerit is converted within the body to its active form (stavudine triphosphate). This active form is similar to thymidine triphosphate, a chemical that is required by the HIV virus to make new DNA. The reverse transcriptase uses stavudine triphosphate instead of thymidine triphosphate for making DNA, and it is the stavudine triphosphate that interferes with the reverse transcriptase. Zerit does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV.

Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the prescribed dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function or renal function tests should be performed to monitor your progress and to check for side effects. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not prevent you from spreading HIV through sexual or blood contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spread of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This medicine will not prevent other infections. If your health changes, check with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

The most severe side effects are a decrease in blood cells, muscle pain (myopathy), pancreatitis, liver failure and metabolic disturbance (lactic acidosis). Zerit damages nerves and can cause a severe peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which sensation in the legs and/or arms is altered or lost. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are tingling, numbness and pain in the feet or hands. Other side effects include chills, rash, abdominal pain, weight loss and insomnia.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.