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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Zerit and Equivalent

Zerit Information

Zerit (Stavudine) is a prescription antiviral medication used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections and cancer) and improves your quality of life. The active ingredient in Zerit is Stavudine. Stavudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). It interferes with the HIV viral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and inhibits viral replication. As a result, it reduces the viral load and subsequent complications that may occur. It would be best to know that Stavudine is not a cure for HIV infection.

Zerit Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zerit may include nausea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, headache, and body pain.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Painful urination;
• Severe pain in your lower back or stomach;
• Signs of new infection, such as night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, weight loss, diarrhea;
• Sudden numbness, tingling, and painful hands or feet;
• Symptoms suggestive of lactic acidosis;
• Unexplained weight loss

Zerit Precautions

Do not use Zerit if you are allergic to Zerit or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a heart problem, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Zerit and other medications, such as elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF, and other similar antiviral medications.

Do not use Zerit if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Zerit comes as a tablet, and it should be taken orally, usually every 12 hours. Follow your prescription label carefully, and do not use more than your prescribed dosage. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contaminated blood or other body fluids. Avoid taking alcoholic beverages while taking Zerit. Do not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Zerit?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Zerit.