Capsule

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Zerit (stavudine) is used with other medicines to treat HIV.

Do not take Zerit (stavudine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zerit (stavudine)

Before using Zerit (stavudine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have kidney or liver disease if you have gallstones if you regularly drink alcohol if you have any other medical condition

Fatal cases of liver problems and lactic acidosis have been reported with Zerit (stavudine). Inflammation of the pancreas, including fatal cases, has also been reported.

Other:  Chills; fever; loss of appetite; muscle pain; sleeplessness; stomach pain.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Zerit (stavudine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Zerit (stavudine) exactly as directed by your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with Zerit (stavudine) and reread it each time you get your prescription refilled. Before taking Zerit (stavudine), talk with your health care provider about medications that should not be taken with Zerit (stavudine). Zerit (stavudine) must be taken with other HIV medicines to be effective. Zerit (stavudine) may be taken with or without meals. When Zerit (stavudine) supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Zerit (stavudine) if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, and may become harder to treat. Stop taking Zerit (stavudine) and contact your doctor at once if any of the following occur: Tiredness; unusual stomach discomfort; coldness; dizziness; lightheadedness; slow or irregular heartbeat. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet, report these symptoms to your health care provider. Parents should closely watch their children for these symptoms if they are taking Zerit (stavudine). Inform your health care provider if your child has ever experienced any of these symptoms. Contact your health care provider at once if severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain occur. Zerit (stavudine) is not a cure for HIV infection and you may continue to acquire illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection. Remain under the care of your health care provider. Zerit (stavudine) offers no protection from the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. Certain birth control pills may not be as effective while taking Zerit (stavudine). Women taking birth control pills should use additional or other birth control measures (eg, condoms, diaphragms). HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection. Lab tests will be required while taking Zerit (stavudine). Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Zerit (stavudine) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Zerit (stavudine). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Zerit (stavudine) between 59 and 86 degrees F in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat. Do not store in a damp place, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet or near the kitchen sink.