How to use
Generic Zerit (Stavudine) should be taken orally with a full glass of water, either with or without food. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the recommended dosage schedule.

If you are using Zidovudine in liquid form, make sure your take the precise dosage by measuring it with a marked spoon or medicine cup.

Take Generic Zerit (Stavudine) regularly and make sure you renew your prescription on time. Do not change your dosages or medication schedule without consulting your doctor first. It is recommended that anyone who suffers from HIV or AIDS remains under strict observation of a doctor.

Overdose
Potential symptoms of a Generic Zerit (Stavudine) overdose include:

• Numbness
• Burning
• Pain or tingly feeling
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Low fever
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Seek immediate medical attention if you think that you have taken too much of this medication.

Missed dose
You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is, then simply skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled one. Do not double up on medication to make up for a missed dosage.

Notes
Your doctor may require you to have regular tests and medical check-ups while taking this medication, to chart your progress and examine you for potential side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

Do not share Generic Zerit (Stavudine) with others, as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by this medication

Storage
Store Generic Zerit (Stavudine) at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

Precautions

Before using Generic Zerit (Stavudine), inform your doctor if you currently suffer or ever have suffered from any of the following:

• Any allergies
• A kidney or liver disease (e.g. hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy)
• Alcohol abuse
• Gall bladder problems (such as gall stones)

I you have or have had any of these conditions, your doctor may have to perform additional tests or your dosage may be altered.

Generic Zerit (Stavudine) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA. This means it is not yet known whether this medication can be harmful for an unborn baby. However, HIV medications are usually given to pregnant women when clearly needed and the risks and benefits have been thoroughly weighed up. Treatment with this medication has also been shown to decrease the risk of HIV transmission to the baby.
Women who are HIV-positive and/ or under treatment with Generic Zerit (Stavudine) should not breastfeed. Even if a baby is born without HIV, the virus can still be passed on through breast milk.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Generic Zerit (Stavudine), tell your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription drugs you use, including:

• Didanosine (Videx)
• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea)
• Interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron)
• Ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole)
• Zidovudine (Retrovir)
• Methadone
• Drugs that can cause nerve problems (such as Isoniazid, Vincristine, Didanosine)

The above list of medication is incomplete. Inform your doctor of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication while on Generic Zerit (Stavudine) without telling so to your doctor.

Common possible side effects of Generic Zerit (Stavudine) include:

• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Mild skin rash
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially on the arms, legs, face, neck, breasts and trunk)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Symptoms of Pancreatitis (e.g. severe pain in the upper stomach spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate)
• Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g. numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet)
• Symptoms of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea and vomiting)
• Any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), mouth sores or unusual weakness

Stop using Generic Zerit (Stavudine) and seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

Some people who took Generic Zerit (Stavudine) have reportedly developed the life-threatening condition Lactic Acidosis. Symptoms of this disease include:

• Muscle pain or weakness
• Numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea with vomiting
• Fast or uneven heart rate
• Dizziness
• Feeling very weak or tired

You are more at risk of developing Lactic Acidosis if you are a woman, if you are overweight or have a liver disease or if you have taken certain HIV or AIDS medications for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk of developing this condition.

Generic Zerit (Stavudine) has also been known to cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. You should call your doctor immediately if you encounter any of the following symptoms while taking Generic Zerit (Stavudine):

• Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
• Fast heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Low fever
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

This is not a full list of possible side effects associated with Generic Zerit (Stavudine). Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.