Zerit (Stavudine, D4T)
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Zerit is offered in four different dosages: 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg or 40 mg. One Zerit capsule should be taken with or without food, twice a day (at the same time every morning and evening).
** Attention **
- Zerit may cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage to the extremities, mainly affecting the hands and feet).
- This medication is also associated with lipodystrophy (loss of fat from one area — usually the face, arms and/or legs).
Side effects
The following gastro-intestinal side effects may often occur:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Anorexia;
- Stomach gas (flatulence);
- Fatigue.
Other general side effects may occur as well:
- Headaches;
- Feeling faint;
- Asthenia (weakness or fatigue);
- Insomnia;
- Myalgia (muscle pain);
- Vertigo.
Important Information
- Proper storage of the medication:
- Do not store the medication in the bathroom;
- Store the medication between 15 and 30 °C in a dark, dry area (away from light);
- Never place the medication in a pillbox for longer than 24 hours, in order to prevent it from drying out;
- Keep the medication out of reach of children.
- If you miss a dose, avoid taking a double dose. Instead, wait until the next time you are supposed to take a pill and take a single dose of the medication, as prescribed by your physician.
- The pill should be swallowed. Do not chew, crush or bite into it.
- Avoid consuming alcohol at the same time as the medication, because this could cause liver damage.
- Consult a health-care professional at a hospital, clinic, CLSC or pharmacy before consuming any natural health products (vitamins and minerals, medicinal plants, homeopathic remedies, probiotics, etc.); over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin); or drops and syrups to treat coughs and sore throats (Benylin, Halls, Vicks, Cepacol, etc.) at the same time as the medication prescribed by your physician.
- If you feel any discomfort or illness after taking your medication, immediately contact your physician. It is possible that the dosage or the medication itself is not suitable for you, in which case, your doctor will find an alternative.