Product Details: Zerit (Stavudine)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a nucleoside analogue antiviral used in combination with other medicines to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. THIS MEDICINE CAN BE TAKEN with food or on an empty stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the prescribed dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function or renal function tests should be performed to monitor your progress and to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A CURE FOR HIV. IT WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SPREADING HIV through sexual or blood contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spread of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT OTHER INFECTIONS. If your health changes, check with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in feet or hands; sore throat, fever, chills, unusual tiredness, sudden weight loss, prolonged nausea and vomiting, abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, rapid breathing, or muscle aches or weakness. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Stavudine