Before taking Zerit (stavudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Zerit (stavudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis with other HIV medicines, kidney problems, liver problems, nerve problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), alcohol use.
Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your risk for liver problems and/or pancreatitis.
Zerit (stavudine) can cause severe nerve problems in the hands/feet/legs (peripheral neuropathy). Symptoms may include numbness/tingling/pain, muscle weakness, or decreased muscle control. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately so that you can be monitored closely. Your doctor may decide to reduce or stop your dose of Zerit (stavudine).
Caution is advised when using Zerit (stavudine) in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the increased risk of pancreatitis.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. Zerit (stavudine) is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using Zerit (stavudine) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the increased risk of pancreatitis.
Zerit (stavudine) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. However, it is now normal to prescribe HIV medicines for pregnant women with HIV. This has been shown to decrease the risk of giving HIV to the baby. Zerit (stavudine) may be part of that treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if Zerit (stavudine) passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using Zerit (stavudine) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Zerit (stavudine) by mouth with or without food, usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your age, weight, kidney function, medical condition, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking Zerit (stavudine) (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Zerit (stavudine) works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Zerit (stavudine) at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not take more or less of Zerit (stavudine) than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also Warning section.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or tingling/numbness of hands or feet may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Zerit (stavudine) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Zerit (stavudine) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, tiredness, pale skin, breathing problems.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding.
Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking Zerit (stavudine) (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.
If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection. This may happen as your immune system begins to work better. Symptoms may include: new cough, trouble breathing, fever, new vision problems, new headaches, new skin problems.
Contact your doctor immediately.
A very serious allergic reaction to Zerit (stavudine) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Zerit side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Zerit (stavudine), take it as soon as you remember unless it is less than 2 hours before the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Zerit (stavudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: zidovudine.
If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Zerit (stavudine).
Before using Zerit (stavudine), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: ribavirin, doxorubicin, didanosine, hydroxyurea.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.