Health | Diet | Fitness | Nutrition | Tips

Zerit (Stavudine)

September 26, 2009

Human Immunodeficiency Virus invades the immune system, slowly destroying our body’s ability to fight off infection. Zerit is an antiviral medication that prevents HIV cells from multiplying in the infected person’s body. It is used to treat HIV that causes AIDS. Without the presence of  3′-OH group in the incorporated nucleoside analogue,enables the formation of the 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage essential for DNA chain elongation, and therefore, the viral DNA growth is terminated.                                                               

Stavudine the component of Zerit was firstsynthesized by an American scientist Jerome Horwitz of Barbara Ann Ka rmanos Cancer Institute and of Wayne State University School of Medecine in 1964. It was synthesized for cancer treatment and was later discovered as an effective component in the treatment of HIV. Stavudine was approved in the US Food and Drugs Administration in June 24, 1994. Subsequently in 1996, Stavudine was approved to be used as medication for HIV infections for newborn babies and older. It is also  indicated for the treatment of adults with advanced HIV infection who are intolerant of approved therapies with proven clinical benefit or who have experienced significant clinical or immunologic deterioration while receiving these therapies or for whom such therapies are contraindicated. The most common side effect from Zerit therapy is peripheral neuropathy, which may cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body. Approximately 20% of patients taking Zerit will experience peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy refers to disorders of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. It may also cause the build up of lactic acid in the body or what is known as lactic acidosis. Symptoms include unusual muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, nausea with vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, and feeling very weak or tired. Zerit can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas.

Zerit can be taken with or without food.Follow strictly your doctor’s advice. When confusion arise, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Swallow the extended-release capsules (Zerit XR) whole, without crushing or chewing. If swallowing the capsules is difficult, they can be carefully opened and the contents mixed with two tablespoons of applesauce or yogurt. The mixture should then be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing the beads. Consume the mixture immediately, do not save it for later use.Stop taking Stavudine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives. Stavudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Although it can help stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.

Filed under: Health and Fitness - diseases

Tags: Stavudine, Zerit