What is Zerit?
Zerit is an antiviral medication that stops the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying throughout your body.Zerit can be used to treat HIV, the virus that can trigger acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).Zerit isn't an effective treatment for HIV and AIDS.
Warnings
Take Zerit with zidovudine, didanosine, or any other medication that has stavudine in it.There is a chance that you will be diagnosed with an illness called lactic acidosis, which is a serious accumulation of lactic acid in your blood. Consult your doctor or seek medical assistance immediately if you notice unusual muscle pains, breathing issues, stomach pains, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling fatigued or weak.
Zerit may also have dangerous or life-threatening consequences for the pancreas or liver. Call your doctor immediately if you notice stomach swelling or pain or symptoms of fever or nausea, vomiting, easily bruising or bleeding, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use Zerit if you are allergic to stavudine. Don't take this medicine in conjunction with zidovudine, didanosine, or any other medication that contains stavudine.
Zerit may cause serious or life-threatening problems for your pancreas and liver. Tell your doctor whether you suffer from liver disease or have a previous history of pancreatitis.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Renal disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
- Liver disease, which includes hepatitis C;
- Diabetes (Zerit liquid may contain sucrose);
- Gallstones;
- Numbness, tingling, or the sensation of pain in your hands and feet;
- Issues with your pancreas
- If you consume large quantities of alcohol.
It is possible to suffer from lactic acidosis. This is a risky buildup of lactic acid within your blood. This is likely if you suffer from other medical issues, if you've been taking HIV medications for a long time, or if you are a female. Talk to your doctor about your chances of being at risk.
Inform your doctor if you are expecting a baby and take the correct medications to manage your infection. HIV could be transmitted to your child if the virus is not managed during pregnancy. Your name might be recorded on a registry that tracks any adverse effects of antiviral medications on your baby.
Women who have HIV or AIDS shouldn't breastfeed their babies. Even if the baby is born without HIV or AIDS, the virus could be transmitted to your baby by the milk you give it.
How to take Zerit?
You should take Zerit exactly as prescribed. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription, and make sure you read all the instructions or medication guides. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as directed.Make sure to take your doses at regular intervals to ensure a constant amount of medication in your body all the time. It is possible to take Zerit in combination with food or not.
Make sure to shake off the liquid medication to mix it prior to measuring the dose. Utilize the dosing syringe that comes with it or a dose-measuring instrument (not the kitchen spoon).Doses of Stavudine are based on weight (especially for teenagers and children). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.You'll require frequent medical examinations.
Make sure to take all HIV medication as directed and carefully read the drug guides you are given. Do not alter your dosage or schedule of dosing without the advice of your physician. Everyone suffering from HIV must remain under the supervision of a physician.Storage: Zerit capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. The bottle should be kept tightly shut.Keep the liquid in the fridge. Do not freeze. Discard any liquid that is not used in the first 30 days.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection:
less than 60 kg, 30 mg daily orally for 12 hours
60 kg or greater: 40 mg oral every 12 hours
Usual Adult Dose for Nonoccupational Exposure:
More than 60 kg (30 mg) taken orally every 12 hours
60 kg or more: 40 mg taken orally every 12 hours
Prophylaxis should be initiated as quickly as possible, within 72 hours after exposure, and then continued for 28 days.
In general, alternatives to non-occupational post exposure HIV treatment comprise Zerit in conjunction with protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens.
Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection:
From birth until 13 days old: 0.5 mg/kg daily, orally for 12 hours
14 days old or older:
Not more than 30 kg (1 mg/kg) taken orally each 12 hours
30kg or more 30 kg or more: adult dosage recommended.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
Make sure you refill your prescription before you run out of medication completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Beware of drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of liver or pancreatic damage.
This medicine won't stop your illness from spreading. Be sure not to engage in unprotected sexual sex or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Consult your physician regarding safe methods to avoid HIV transmission through sex. Sharing needles with medicine or drugs is not safe, even for a healthy individual.
Side effects of Zerit
Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
The mild symptoms of lactic acidosis could get worse over time, and the condition may cause death. Take immediate medical assistance in the event of: uncharacteristic muscular pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, and an irregular heart rate; nausea, dizziness, or feeling tired or weak.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Tingling, numbness, or the sensation of pain in your hands and feet;
- Weakness in your feet, legs, arms, hands, or legs;
- Liver issues swelling around your middle, right-sided stomach discomfort, and loss of appetite. dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
- Pancreatitis: fever, extreme discomfort in your stomach that spreads to your back, nausea, and vomiting.
Stavudine alters your immune system and can cause negative side effects (even months or weeks after you've taken the medicine). Inform your doctor when you experience:
- Indications of an infection that is new, like night sweats, glands that are swollen, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, and weight loss;
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking difficulties with balance, eye movement, weak or prickly sensations, swallowing, or speaking;
- Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid) Menstrual fluctuations, impotence
Common Zerit adverse effects could be:
- Numbness, weakness, tingling, or burning pain in your feet or hands;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- It can be a rash
- Headache;
It's not a comprehensive list of the possible consequences, but other consequences could also occur. See your physician for recommendations on the effects of medicine. It is possible to report any adverse reactions to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor all other medications, particularly:
This list isn't complete. Other medications can be incompatible with stavudine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are included here.
