Stavudine (d4H, Zerit) Drug for AIDS/HIV: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

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Stavudine
(d4H, Zerit, United States and Canada)

Use:

Stavudine, d4H or Zerit is an anti-retroviral drug used in conditions like AIDS.

How It Works:

Stavudine, d4H or Zerit is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It inhibits the same viral enzyme that AZT does, and can be used in combination with AZT.
It is used as second line therapy after initial therapy with AZT. An increased survival rate is seen because with prolonged use of AZT, resistance develops

Side Effects:

Stavudine, d4H or Zerit is associated with dose related peripheral neuropathy - numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet. It may have to be stopped, however it may be restarted at a lower dose.

Cautions for People:

People with existing peripheral neuropathy problems should be closely followed.

Drug Interactions:

Stavudine, d4H or Zerit is often used in combination regimes for the treatment of HIV infections.

Further Reading:

Med Letter 1996;38:35
Intersci Conf Antimicrobial Agents Chemo 1995;35:235
J Infect Dis 1996;174(5):962
Pediatrics 1996;97(6Pt1):886

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.