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CHEMICAL NAME
STAVUDINE.
INDICATIONS
Zerit is used in combination with other medication(s) to treat HIV infection. Stavudine is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others. One group of HIV medications (the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs such as zidovudine and lamivudine) are very useful. However, NRTIs are recommended to be used in combination with other groups of HIV medications in order to be effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
DIRECTIONS
Take Zerit by mouth exactly as prescribed, usually twice a day. For best effects, space the doses at even intervals throughout the day (and night if directed by your doctor). This will help ensure an even level of drug in the body at all times. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help devise a dosing schedule best for you. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Your condition will not improve faster but the risk of side effects may be increased.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effect of this medication is peripheral neuropathy (nerve disorder). Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, tingling, burning or pain of the hands or feet. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these. Headache, diarrhea or nausea or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if any of these serious side effects occur: chills, fever, sore throat, itch, rash, changes in body fat, muscle aches, trouble sleeping, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, rapid breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver diseases, pancreatitis, nerve disease, heart disease, major injury/surgery/infection, alcohol usage, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in human breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding in order to protect the newborn from possible HIV transmission.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
INFORMATION
This medication does not cure HIV infection nor does it reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: zidovudine. If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting stavudine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: ribavirin, other drugs used to treat HIV disease (e.g., didanosine, lamivudine).. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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