Zerit: Advanced Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Management
Zerit
| Product dosage: 40 mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | 1.68 $ | 50.31 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | 1.40 $ | 100.62 $ 84.24 $ (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | 1.31 $
Best per cap | 150.93 $ 118.17 $ (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Zerit (stavudine) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. As a critical component of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), Zerit works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, thereby impeding viral replication and reducing viral load. This medication is designed for use in both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, contributing to improved immunological function and delayed disease progression. Proper adherence to prescribed regimens is essential to maximize therapeutic outcomes and minimize the risk of resistance development.
Features
- Active ingredient: Stavudine
- Available formulations: Capsules and oral solution
- Standard strengths: 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg capsules; 1 mg/mL oral solution
- Administration: Oral, with or without food
- Pharmacological class: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
- Prescription status: Requires healthcare provider authorization
Benefits
- Effectively reduces HIV viral load when used in combination therapy
- Helps increase CD4 cell counts, supporting immune system recovery
- Contributes to delayed progression to AIDS and AIDS-related complications
- Available in multiple formulations for dosing flexibility and patient convenience
- Established efficacy profile in diverse patient populations
- Can be part of first-line or salvage therapy regimens
Common use
Zerit is primarily used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients. It is typically prescribed alongside other antiretroviral agents from different classes to create a potent regimen that suppresses viral replication. Healthcare providers may recommend Zerit based on individual patient factors, including treatment history, resistance patterns, comorbid conditions, and potential drug interactions. The medication is used in both initial therapy and for patients who have previously received antiretroviral treatment.
Dosage and direction
Adult dosing: The recommended dosage is based on body weight. For patients weighing 60 kg or more: 40 mg twice daily; for patients weighing less than 60 kg: 30 mg twice daily.
Pediatric dosing: For patients older than 14 days: 2 mg/kg twice daily for those weighing less than 30 kg; for patients weighing 30 kg or more, use adult dosing guidelines.
Administration: Zerit may be taken with or without food. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water. The oral solution should be measured using the provided dosing syringe or cup. Doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart to maintain consistent drug levels.
Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare providers will determine the appropriate dosage based on creatinine clearance.
Precautions
- Peripheral neuropathy: Monitor for symptoms including numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet
- Lactic acidosis: Regular monitoring of lactate levels recommended, especially in patients with risk factors
- Hepatic steatosis: Assess liver function periodically
- Pancreatitis: Monitor for symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Lipodystrophy: Changes in body fat distribution may occur
- Immune reconstitution syndrome: Inflammatory response may occur after initiating therapy
- Osteonecrosis: Monitor for joint pain and stiffness
- Pregnancy: Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus
Regular clinical and laboratory monitoring, including CD4 cell counts, viral load measurements, and complete blood counts, is essential throughout treatment.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to stavudine or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant use with zidovudine (may antagonize antiviral activity)
- Patients with established diagnosis of pancreatitis
- Severe hepatic impairment without dosage adjustment
- History of hypersensitivity reaction to any NRTI medication
Possible side effect
Common (≥10%):
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Insomnia
Less common (1-10%):
- Pancreatitis
- Lactic acidosis
- Hepatic steatosis
- Lipodystrophy
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Anemia
- Neutropenia
Rare (<1%):
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Acute hepatic failure
- Renal impairment
- Optic neuritis
Drug interaction
- Zidovudine: Antagonistic interaction; concomitant use contraindicated
- Didanosine: Increased risk of pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy
- Hydroxyurea: Enhanced toxicity; use with caution
- Ribavirin: Potential antagonistic effect
- Other nephrotoxic drugs: May increase risk of renal impairment
- Methadone: May decrease stavudine concentrations
Inform your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent antiviral activity. If multiple doses are missed, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Overdose
There is limited experience with Zerit overdose. Symptoms may include peripheral neuropathy, hepatic toxicity, and pancreatitis. Management should include supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Hemodialysis may remove approximately 40% of the administered dose. In case of suspected overdose, contact poison control center or seek immediate medical attention.
Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F)
- Keep in original container with tight closure
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Do not use after expiration date
- Oral solution: Store in refrigerator (2-8°C or 36-46°F); do not freeze
- Discard any unused oral solution after 30 days
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Zerit should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Treatment decisions should be based on individual patient characteristics and professional medical judgment. The prescribing physician should be consulted for complete prescribing information and personalized medical advice.
Reviews
“After incorporating Zerit into my treatment regimen, my viral load became undetectable within six months. The twice-daily dosing is manageable, though I did experience mild peripheral neuropathy that was addressed with dosage adjustment.” - M.C., treated for 3 years
“As an infectious disease specialist, I’ve found Zerit to be an effective component of combination therapy for appropriate patients. While we monitor carefully for metabolic complications, it remains a valuable option in our antiretroviral arsenal.” - Dr. A. Rodriguez, MD
“The oral solution formulation has been particularly helpful for my pediatric patients. We’ve achieved good virological suppression with careful monitoring for adverse effects.” - Pediatric HIV Specialist
“Initial side effects included gastrointestinal discomfort, but these subsided after the first month. Regular blood work has shown maintained CD4 counts and undetectable viral load for over two years.” - J.T., patient since 2021