Drug Name

Zerit (Stavudine)

Drug Uses:
Zerit is an antiviral with nucleoside analogue properties, and is used in combination with other medicines, so that the human body can manage the human immunodeficiency virus infection.
 

How to Use:
For adults, the recommended dosage is forty mg twice on a daily basis if the person is weighing more than sixty kilograms. If the individual is weighing less than thirty kilograms, the recommended dosage is thirty mg twice on a daily basis. For children, the dosage is 1 mg/kg, depending on their weight.  If the child weighs more than thirty kilograms, the dosage of an adult may be administered. Zerit can be administered on an empty stomach or on a full stomach.

Drug Class and Mechanism:
Zerit is oral medication for people who are infected with the HIV virus. The drug is in a clas of drugs that are known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The class includes zalcitabine, zidovudine, didanosine, lamivudine and other such drugs.
When a body is infected with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the cells of the body and then is released throughout the other cells in the body. This infection therefore is introduced to the new cells that the body is producing, resulting in a perpetual HIV infection.
However, while producing the new virus, the HIV virus is required to create new DNA. Zerit is converted within the body and is used by the HIV virus to make new DNA. Zerit does not kill the HIV virus and nor is it a cure for the HIV virus.

Missed Dose:
Take a missed dose, but no later than two hours of the next dose. Do not overdose, but instead skip that dose and return to your regular dose intervals.

Storage:

The capsules should be stored at room temperature and at fifteen to thirty degrees. If the medicine is taken in forms of powder for oral intake, it should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture. All solutions must be refrigerated.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Make sure that you do not exceed the recommended dose unless you check with your doctor. If you exceed the prescribed dose, you might increase the risk of side effects.  Also, exceeding the dosage without medical consultation will provide no additional benefits.
Also, make sure that you have undergone the laboratory or medical tests that should be performed to monitor the progress under the medicine and check for any side effects. Common laboratory tests are liver function and renal function tests.
Also, keep in mind that this medicine is not a cure for HIV, and it will not prevent any infection via sexual contact or otherwise. You should consult your doctor or other medical professional for any information regarding HIV and HIV infection.
Also, you should consult your doctor if you are taking any other medicine, whether via prescription or by over the counter method. Discuss with your doctor if you intend to, or become pregnant while under treatment with this medicine. Also, discuss with the doctor the repercussions of this medicine if you are pregnant. It is not advised to breast feed if you are pregnant and under this medicine.
 

Possible Side Effects

There are some side effects to the human body that are connected with the drug. The most severe side effects are a decrease in blood cells, pancreatisis, muscle pain, liver failure and metabolic disturbances. Intake of Zerlit can also cause a condition in which the sensation in the legs and arms is altered or lost. This is because of the fact that Zerlit damages nerves and can cause severe peripheral neuropathy.
Again, there are other side effects like chills, rash, abdominal pain and weight loss or insomnia.