Zerit: Advanced Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Management
| Product dosage: 40 mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.43 | $43.05 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.20 | $86.10 $72.08 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.12
Best per cap | $129.15 $101.11 (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 adult and pediatric patients, adhering to established clinical guidelines for HIV management. Proper administration under medical supervision is essential to maximize therapeutic outcomes and minimize potential adverse effects.
Features
- Active ingredient: Stavudine 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg capsules
- Pharmacologic class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
- Administration: Oral formulation with or without food
- Packaging: High-density polyethylene bottles with child-resistant caps
- Storage: Room temperature (15–30°C) in original container
- Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb (under license)
- Regulatory status: FDA-approved, EMA-approved
Benefits
- Effectively suppresses HIV viral replication when used in combination therapy
- Helps restore and maintain CD4+ T-cell counts
- Delays progression to AIDS-defining illnesses
- Demonstrates high oral bioavailability with consistent absorption
- Available in multiple strengths for precise dosing adjustments
- Established long-term safety profile in clinical practice
Common use
Zerit is primarily prescribed as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children weighing at least 30 kg. It is typically used in regimens alongside other antiretroviral agents such as lamivudine, efavirenz, or protease inhibitors. Clinical decision-making regarding its inclusion in therapeutic regimens considers factors including viral load, CD4 count, treatment history, potential drug interactions, and patient comorbidities. Zerit may be particularly appropriate for patients who have developed resistance to other NRTIs or require specific combination therapy approaches based on genotypic resistance testing.
Dosage and direction
Adult dosing:
- For patients weighing ≥60 kg: 40 mg twice daily
- For patients weighing <60 kg: 30 mg twice daily
Pediatric dosing (children weighing ≥30 kg):
- Dosing based on body weight and surface area
- 1 mg/kg twice daily (maximum 40 mg twice daily)
Administration should occur approximately every 12 hours, with or without food. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water. Dosage adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min):
- CrCl 26–50 mL/min: 20 mg twice daily (≥60 kg) or 15 mg twice daily (<60 kg)
- CrCl 10–25 mL/min: 20 mg once daily (≥60 kg) or 15 mg once daily (<60 kg)
- Hemodialysis patients: 20 mg every 24 hours (≥60 kg) or 15 mg every 24 hours (<60 kg) administered after dialysis
Precautions
Peripheral neuropathy may occur and is dose-related; monitor for symptoms including numbness, tingling, or pain in hands/feet. Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with nucleoside analogues. Monitor liver function tests and consider discontinuation if lactic acidosis or hepatotoxicity is suspected. Pancreatitis has occurred; monitor amylase levels and discontinue if clinical pancreatitis develops. Lipoatrophy (loss of subcutaneous fat) may occur and may be irreversible; regular assessment of body fat distribution is recommended. Immune reconstitution syndrome may occur during initial treatment; monitor for inflammatory responses to opportunistic infections. Regular monitoring of complete blood count, renal function, and liver enzymes is advised during therapy.
Contraindications
Zerit is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to stavudine or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with zidovudine is contraindicated due to antagonistic antiviral effects. Use is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing hepatic failure or severe renal impairment not undergoing dialysis without appropriate dosage adjustment. The medication is contraindicated in combination with didanosine due to increased risk of toxicities including peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, and lactic acidosis.
Possible side effects
Common (≥10%): Peripheral neuropathy, headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash
Less common (1–10%): Pancreatitis, elevated liver enzymes, insomnia, dizziness, abdominal pain
Rare (<1%): Lactic acidosis, hepatic steatosis, severe hepatomegaly, lipodystrophy, myopathy
Laboratory abnormalities: Increased amylase, increased triglycerides, neutropenia, anemia
Peripheral neuropathy typically manifests as bilateral numbness, tingling, or pain in the distal extremities and may require dosage reduction or discontinuation. Most adverse reactions are dose-dependent and may be managed through appropriate dosing adjustments or treatment interruption.
Drug interaction
Zerit demonstrates several clinically significant drug interactions:
- Zidovudine: Antagonistic antiviral effect; concomitant use contraindicated
- Didanosine: Increased risk of peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, and lactic acidosis; avoid combination
- Hydroxyurea: Potentiates stavudine toxicity; use with extreme caution
- Ribavirin: Antagonistic effect; avoid combination in HIV/HCV co-infected patients
- Other neurotoxic drugs (isoniazid, vincristine): May increase risk of peripheral neuropathy
- Methadone: No significant interaction observed; no dosage adjustment required
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 dose. Maintaining consistent dosing intervals is crucial for maintaining effective antiviral suppression and minimizing the development of resistance. If multiple doses are missed, contact healthcare provider for guidance on resumption of therapy.
Overdose
Experience with stavudine overdose is limited. Symptoms may include peripheral neuropathy, hepatic toxicity, or pancreatitis. There is no specific antidote for stavudine overdose. Treatment should consist of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs and observation of clinical status. Hemodialysis removes approximately 40% of the administered dose over 4 hours and may be considered in cases of significant overdose, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture. Dispense in original container with child-resistant closure. Do not use if capsules appear damaged or discolored. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not transfer to other containers as stability may be compromised. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date printed on the packaging.
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 experienced in the management of HIV infection. Treatment decisions should be based on individual patient characteristics, including viral load, CD4 count, treatment history, and potential drug interactions. Patients should not adjust dosage or discontinue medication without consulting their healthcare provider. The full prescribing information should be consulted before initiating therapy.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Zerit’s efficacy in combination antiretroviral regimens. In study AI455-099, stavudine-containing regimens achieved viral load suppression (<400 copies/mL) in 54% of patients at 48 weeks. The STAR study showed comparable efficacy to zidovudine-based regimens with different toxicity profiles. Long-term observational data indicate sustained virological response in appropriate patient populations. Many clinicians note its utility in specific clinical scenarios despite the association with metabolic complications. Patient-reported outcomes indicate generally good tolerability when monitored appropriately, though lipoatrophy remains a significant concern for long-term users.