This is an automatically translated article.
Zerit contains the active ingredient Stavudine, which is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral medicinal products for the treatment of HIV-infected patients. However, Zerit should only be used for the shortest possible time because of its toxicity, especially peripheral neuropathy and mitochondrial damage myopathy.
1. What is Zerit drug?
Zerit contains the active ingredient Stavudine, which is used with other HIV medicines to help control HIV infection. Stavudine belongs to the class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, which is a thymidine analog that interferes with HIV viral DNA polymerase, resulting in inhibition of viral replication. The drug works by stopping the HIV virus from replicating in the body, reducing the risk of HIV complications such as infection and cancer, and improving the patient's quality of life.
2. How to use the drug Zerit
How to take:
Zerit can be taken with or without food, usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. For best effect, take the medicine at the same time of day. Patients should shake the medication before use, use the dosing syringe provided, or use the dosimeter to get the exact amount required. Dosage:
Dosage is based on weight, overall health and response to treatment. Dosage requirements may change if the patient gains or loses weight. Patients should not take more/less than prescribed or stop taking the medication unless directed by the doctor. Stopping the medication or changing the dose without your doctor's approval can cause the viral load to increase, make the condition more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects. The following is a reference dose of Zerit:
Dosage for HIV-infected adults:
Patients under 60 kg: Take 30 mg every 12 hours; Patients 60kg or more: Oral 40mg every 12 hours Adult dose in case of exposure:
Patients under 60kg: Take 30mg every 12 hours; Patients 60 kg or more: Take 40mg every 12 hours; Prophylaxis should be initiated as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure, and continued for 28 days. Dose for HIV-infected children:
Although approved by the FDA, Stavudine is no longer recommended for use in pediatric patients due to a higher rate of adverse events than other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. If used, it should be combined with other antiviral agents. The recommended dose in neonates up to 13 days of age is 0.5 mg/kg orally every 12 hours; patients under 30 kg orally 1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours; For patients 30 kg or more, the recommended dosage is for adults. Patients with renal failure:
Adjust the dose of Zerit according to the patient's glomerular filtration rate. Patients with hepatic impairment:
No dose adjustment of Zerit is required in patients with hepatic impairment.
3. Contraindications of the drug Zerit
Zerit is contraindicated in the following cases:
Patients with hypersensitivity to Stavudine or any component of the formulation. Take it with Didanosine because Stavudine can increase the side effects of Didanosine. The risk of lactic acidosis (which can be fatal), hepatomegaly, and pancreatitis may be increased when these two drugs are combined.
4. Undesirable effects of the drug Zerit
Patients using Zerit may experience the following side effects:
Headache or diarrhea. Severe nerve problems in the hands/feet/legs (peripheral neuropathy). Symptoms may include numbness/tingling/pain, muscle weakness, or decreased muscle control. Liver problems such as swelling around the midsection, right upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice/eyes. Pancreatitis, severe pain in the upper abdomen spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting. Fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss. Difficulty speaking or swallowing, swelling in the neck, enlarged thyroid gland, menstrual changes, impotence. Changes in body fat (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach, decreased fat in the arms and legs) can occur when a patient is taking HIV medications. Very serious allergic reactions to Zerit are very rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling especially of the face/tongue/throat, dizziness severe, trouble breathing If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Seek medical care immediately if patient has any serious symptoms, including: unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, muscle pain/weakness, severe headache, joint pain, numbness/tingling hand/foot/arm/leg tingling, vision changes, signs of infection such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, cough, skin sores that won't heal, signs of Guillain's syndrome -Barre such as unsteadiness, loss of coordination, difficulty swallowing/speaking/chewing, difficulty moving eyes.
5. What are the precautions when using Zerit?
Before taking Zerit, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Stavudine or any of its other ingredients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, neurological problems such as peripheral neuropathy, alcohol use, gallbladder problems such as gallstones. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Zerit as it may increase your risk of liver problems and/or pancreatitis. Use caution when using Zerit in the elderly as the patient may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially an increased risk of neurological problems. Do not take Zerit with Didanosine, Zidovudine or with any other medications. any other medicine that contains Stavudine. Patients are at risk for lactic acidosis. Get medical help right away if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold or feeling very weak or tired. Zerit can also cause serious effects on the liver or pancreas. Contact your doctor if you have signs of stomach pain or swelling, fever, nausea, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of appetite, jaundice, and dark urine. Stavudine is not a cure for HIV infection or AIDS. To reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others, patients should continue to take all HIV medicines as prescribed. Use condoms during sex as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items such as needles, syringes, toothbrushes, and razors as these may come into contact with blood or other body fluids. Pregnant women: HIV can be passed to the baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Antiretroviral therapy is recommended for all pregnant women with HIV to promote health, maintain viral loads below detectable limits, and reduce the risk of HIV transmission at birth. Therapy should be individualized after discussing the risks and benefits of treatment during pregnancy. Lactation: Zerit is excreted in breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit the virus, breastfeeding is not recommended.
6. Drug interactions of the drug Zerit
Drug interactions can change how the drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. It is best for patients to inform their doctor or pharmacist of all medications they are taking (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's guidance.
Some drugs that may interact with Zerit include Didanosine, Doxorubicin, Orlistat, drugs that can cause neurological problems such as Isoniazid, Vincristine. Zidovudine may decrease the effectiveness of Zerit. Concomitant use of Hydroxyurea and Stavudine may increase the side effects of both drugs. Patients may be at increased risk of pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity and/or neuropathy. The article has provided general information about the drug Zerit. The above information is for reference only, patients should contact their doctor or pharmacist for specific advice.
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