Information about Stavudine (Generic Zerit) :


Stavudine is an antiviral drug used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV infection. This medicine blocks the growth of HIV.

You should not use Stavudine in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Stavudine; you are taking Zidovudine; you have abnormal liver function tests, an enlarged liver, or lactic acidosis.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Stavudine:
Before using Stavudine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have kidney or liver problems, inflammation of the pancreas, gallstones, or problems with tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, or if you drink alcohol.

Be aware that Stavudine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: methadone or zidovudine because the effectiveness of Stavudine may be decreased; didanosine because the risk of side effects, including lactic acidosis, may be increased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Stavudine:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Stavudine should be taken with or without food.

Do not stop taking Stavudine even if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

In case you miss a dose of Stavudine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Stavudine is not effective way for prevention you from giving HIV to other people through contact with blood or through sex. You must use a barrier form of birth control (condoms) in case you have HIV. Avoid sharing needles, other injection supplies, or personal items (toothbrush, razor).

You should know that Stavudine is not a cure for HIV infection. Infections or other illnesses that occur along with HIV may take place. It is obligatory for you to remain under the care of your physician.

When your medicine supply begins to run low, get more from your health care provider as soon as possible. The virus may become resistant to Stavudine and more difficult to treat if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time.

Some patients may have changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) while using Stavudine. The clear reason and long-term effects of these changes are not clear. Consult with your doctor and discuss any concerns.

Lab tests, including liver or kidney function tests, may be performed while you are using Stavudine. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The effectiveness of your birth control pill may be decreased by Stavudine. Use an additional form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Stavudine.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
It is not clear whether Stavudine is deleterious to the fetus. In case you become pregnant, you should consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Stavudine while pregnancy. It is also not clear whether Stavudine passes into breast milk. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection or Stavudine.

Possible side effects of Stavudine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: changes in body fat; constipation; diarrhea; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chills; dark urine; fever; lactic acid imbalance (general body discomfort, cold feeling, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow or irregular heartbeat); muscle aches or weakness; numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; shortness of breath; sore throat; stomach pain; sudden weight loss; unusual tiredness or weakness; weakness in the arms or legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.