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Zerit
(stavudine (d4T))-
In this factsheet:
- How does Zerit work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Zerit?
- What form(s) does Zerit come in?
- Who should NOT take Zerit?
- What side effects are possible with Zerit?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Zerit?
- What other drugs could interact with Zerit?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 02216086 | ZERIT 15MG CAPSULE |
| 02216094 | ZERIT 20MG CAPSULE |
| 02216108 | ZERIT 30MG CAPSULE |
| 02216116 | ZERIT 40MG CAPSULE |
How does Zerit work? What will it do for me?
Stavudine belongs to the class of medications called antiretrovirals. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Stavudine is one of a class of antiretrovirals called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more virus. Stavudine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly.
Stavudine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others but does help to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of the problems associated with HIV disease and AIDS.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use Zerit?
The recommended adult dose of stavudine is based on body weight. Those weighing less than 60 kg usually take a dose of 30 mg every 12 hours, while those weighing 60 kg or more take a dose of 40 mg every 12 hours. Adults who have impaired kidney function require lower doses. Children's doses are also based on body weight as calculated by their doctor. Stavudine can be taken with or without food.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken every 12 hours exactly as prescribed. The effectiveness of the medication depends on the right amount of stavudine staying in the bloodstream. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Zerit come in?
15 mg
Each light yellow and dark red capsule, imprinted with "BMS 1964" and "15", contains stavudine 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate; capsule shell: gelatin, printing ink, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and yellow and red iron oxides.
20 mg
Each light brown capsule, imprinted with "BMS 1965" and "20", contains stavudine 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate; capsule shell: gelatin, black iron oxide (20 mg only), printing ink, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and yellow and red iron oxides.
30 mg
Each light orange and dark orange capsule, imprinted with "BMS 1966" and "30", contains stavudine 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate; capsule shell: gelatin, printing ink, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and yellow and red iron oxides.
40 mg
Each dark orange capsule, imprinted with "BMS 1967" and "40" contains stavudine 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate; capsule shell: gelatin, printing ink, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and yellow and red iron oxides.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take Zerit?
Stavudine should not to be used by anyone who is allergic to stavudine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
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