* Generic Name: stavudine
* Brand Name: Zerit
* What is stavudine (Zerit)?
* What are the possible side effects of stavudine (Zerit)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
stavudine (Zerit)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
stavudine (Zerit)?
* How should I take stavudine (Zerit)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Zerit)?
* What happens if I overdose (Zerit)?
* What should I avoid while taking stavudine (Zerit)?
* What other drugs will affect stavudine (Zerit)?
* Where can I get more information (Zerit)?
What is stavudine (Zerit)?
Stavudine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.
Stavudine is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Stavudine is not a cure for HIV
or AIDS.
Stavudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of stavudine (Zerit)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this
condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual
muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting,
irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or
tired.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet;
* weakness in your legs, feet, arms, or hands; or
* signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper
stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting,
fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the
skin or eyes).
Stavudine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side
effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell
your doctor if you have:
* signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands,
cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
* trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye
movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
* swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual
changes, impotence.
Common side effects may include:
* headache;
* nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
* rash; or
* changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your
arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about stavudine (Zerit)?
Do not take this medicine with didanosine or zidovudine, or with any
other medicine that contains stavudine.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in
your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have
unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness,
feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Stavudine can also cause serious or life-threatening effects on your
liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: stomach pain
or swelling, fever, nausea, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, loss
of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Zerit Patient Information including How Should I Take
HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments
HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking stavudine
(Zerit)?
You should not take stavudine if you are allergic to it. Do not take
this medicine with didanosine or zidovudine, or with any other medicine
that contains stavudine.
Stavudine can cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or
pancreas. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history
of pancreatitis.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
* kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
* liver disease, including hepatitis C;
* diabetes (stavudine liquid may contain sucrose);
* gallstones;
* numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
* problems with your pancreas; or
* if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in
your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical
conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you
are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly
to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus
is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a
registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby
is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast
milk.
How should I take stavudine (Zerit)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all
medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally
change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the
drug in your body at all times. You may take stavudine with or without
food.
Shake the liquid medicine before you measure a dose. Use the dosing
syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a
kitchen spoon).
Stavudine doses are based on weight (especially in children and
teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you
receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your
doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of
a doctor.
Store stavudine capsules at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Store stavudine liquid in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away
any unused liquid after 30 days.
Zerit Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments
HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Zerit)?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine
completely.
What happens if I overdose (Zerit)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking stavudine (Zerit)?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of pancreas or liver
damage.
Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do
not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with
your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex.
Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy
person.
What other drugs will affect stavudine (Zerit)?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
* hydroxyurea.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect stavudine, including
prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal
products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information (Zerit)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about stavudine.
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