Zerit (Stavudine)

Zerit or Generic Stavudine Uses, Dosage & Side effects

Zerit (Generic Stavudine) can be used, alone or with other anti-Zeritals, to delay the development of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which may further lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or other associated ailments.

Stavudine work by inhibiting the action of enzyme, reverse transcriptase (which is formed by HIV that permits it to cause cell infection together with producing more viruses). Zerit thus works by minimizing the quantity of HIV in the blood along with keeping it at a low level. The medicine does not cure HIV infection or AIDS but can help interrupt the destruction of the immune system as well as helps to delay the development of infections allied with AIDS or HIV.

How does it act?

Generic Stavudine belongs to the class of antivirals known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is known to act by blocking the enzyme reverse transcriptase which is used by HIV to manufacture DNA, thus reduces the replication of the virus.

Dosage:

This medicine must be taken by mouth, with or without food. Zerit must be prescribed only on a physician’s prescription.

In case of overdose:

Never take this drug in overdose, as it may result in serious reactions such as fever; itching; wheezing; chest rigidity; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; convulsions; or inflammation on face, lips, tongue, or throat. In such cases, you must immediately call any nearby poison control center or nearby doctor for medical help.

In case of missed dose:

Take the missed dose of Zerit tablet the moment you remember. You may skip the missed dose if it is roughly the time for your subsequent planned dose. Avoid consuming additional medicine to make up the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of this drug?

Common Zerit side effects may include headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, loss of blood, breathing problems, sore throat, inflamed tongue, upset stomach or throwing up. A number of small meals, good oral care, having sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may be a great help.

What are the drug interactions of Zerit?

Sometimes certain medications are not safe when taken in conjunction with other drugs/herbal supplements. Taking them together can result in certain bad side effects. Such medications may include chemotherapy drugs for cancer, doxorubicin; paracetamol, codeine, morphine, acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin, ketoprofen, or other analgesics that may lower down the process of Zerit digestion.

Precautionary measures:

• You must not take this drug if you have a history of kidney disease.
• Avoid the use of Zerit in case of low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red blood cell counts.
• If you suffer from an abnormal hypersensitive reaction to Stavudine, or any similar drug; you must not take this medicine.
• If you are pregnant; then in such a case this drug is not good for you and your baby.
• Also, it is recommended not to breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking a capsule of Zerit as it is not safe for the baby.
• Elderly patients (over 65 years of age) or children (less than 12 years age) should not take the medication.
• The medicine is not for patients with moderate as well as severe hepatic impairment.

Storage guidelines:

Store this drug in the original package and keep the container tightly closed in order to protect from moisture. This medication should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

References:

https://www.bms.com/assets/bms/ca/documents/productmonograph/Zerit_EN_PM.pdf

https://www.drugs.com/monograph/zerit.html

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