Stavudine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Zerit, d4T

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Keep taking stavudine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses . If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed specifically for you. Do not share your medicine with others.

Dosing - The dose of stavudine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of stavudine. Your dose may be different if you have kidney disease. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

• For oral dosage forms (capsules, oral solution):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults and teenagers weighing 60 kilograms (kg) (132 pounds) or more - 40 milligrams (mg) every twelve hours.
    • Adults and teenagers weighing up to 60 kg (132 pounds) - 30 mg every twelve hours.
    • Children weighing 30 kg (66 pounds) or more - 30 mg every twelve hours.
    • Infants and children at least 14 days old and weighing less than 30 kg (66 pounds) - 1 mg per kg (0.45 mg per pound) of body weight, every twelve hours.
    • Infants from birth to 13 days old - 0.5 mg per kg of body weight, every twelve hours

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Store the oral solution form in the refrigerator. However, keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not store the capsules in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.