Generic Zerit, capsules

Chemical Name: STAVUDINE

Common uses

This medicine is a nucleoside analogue antiviral used in combination with other medicines to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Before using

Warning: severe, even fatal, liver and metabolic problems such as lactic acidosis have occurred infrequently in patients using this medicine. Fatal lactic acidosis has also occurred when this medicine was used in combination with didanosine and other medicines used to treat HIV during pregnancy. Rare cases of serious muscle weakness or paralysis have occurred especially in those with lactic acidosis. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, abdominal or stomach pain, rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches or weakness, or trouble breathing. When used in combination with certain medicines, pancreatitis (sometimes fatal) has occurred on rare occasions. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach or abdominal pain. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking zidovudine. If you are currently taking zidovudine, contact your doctor for instructions before taking stavudine.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking didanosine, hydroxyurea, or methadone. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney or liver problems, daily alcohol use, gallstones, problems with tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the prescribed dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function or renal function tests should be performed to monitor your progress and to check for side effects. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not prevent you from spreading HIV through sexual or blood contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spread of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This medicine will not prevent other infections. If your health changes, check with your doctor.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in feet or hands; sore throat, fever, chills, unusual tiredness, sudden weight loss, prolonged nausea and vomiting, abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, rapid breathing, or muscle aches or weakness. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (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. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.