Description

Zerit is used to treat HIV infections when used with other medicines. Zerit is a nucleoside analogue antiviral. It prevents the growth of the HIV virus.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not keep Zerit in the bathroom. Keep away from reach of children and away from pets.

Before taking Zerit, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you plan on becoming pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. It is not known if Zerit can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant during treatment, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zerit while pregnant. It is not know if Zerit passes through breast milk. Mothers with HIV should not breast-feed because there is a risk of passing the HIV infection to the baby. Tell your doctor about any prescription or non prescription medicines that you are using. It is important that you tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, gallstones, or problems with tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.

Zerit does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use condoms if you have HIV. Never share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors. Zerit is not a cure for HIV. Do not stop taking Zerit, even for a short time. The virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat if you stop taking Zerit without your doctor’s advice. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels closely. Kidney and liver function tests may need to be performed while you use this medicine. These tests are to monitor your condition and check for side effects. Changes in body fat may occur in some patients. This includes an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face. Discuss the long-term risks of this side effect with your doctor.

Patient Family Information  : Use Zerit as directed by your health care professional. Check with the label on the medicine for dosing instructions. Take Zerit by mouth with or without food. Continue to use Zerit even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses of this medicine. If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing regimen. Do not take two doses of Zerit at once.

Do not use Zerit if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zerit. Do not use Zerit if you are using zidovudine or if you are taking didanosine or hydroxyurea. Do not use Zerit if you have an enlarged liver or if you have lactic acidosis

Sever Side Effects : Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or mouth. Call your doctor if you have any of these serious sid

Less serious side effects: changes in body fat, constipation, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting.

Zerit | Stavudine | Zerit | Stavir