Zerit is an anti-HIV medication used to prevent cells from producing new virus and to decrease the amount of virus in the body. Zerit is known as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Patients taking Zerit are at risk of developing fatal and nonfatal pacreatitis and fatal lactic acidosis. The risk is increases for women who are obese and who have been taking the medication for a prolonged period of time. It is also increased in women who are pregnant. Zerit should only be used in pregnant women if the benefit clearly outweighs the risks. Zerit can cause injury to unborn babies.
Zerit must be taken with two other HIV drugs as well; it cannot be used as a monotherapy or it will not work. It must be taken with one other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and either a protease inhibitor or a non- nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Protease inhibitors must be taken at least two hours before or two hours after Zerit.
Zerit is for people who are HIV positive. Zerit can be used for babies and children as well, and is available in powder that can be mixed with fluids. Zerit should not be used as a first method of treatment for people who are HIV positive because of its serious health risks. Other medications are available as well.
Zerit is not for people taking Retrovir. The two drugs together will work against each other and cause more side effects.
- fatal and nonfatal pancreatitis
- fatal lactic acidosis
- retinal changes and vision loss
Severe liver injuries have also been reported with Zerit, as well as peripheral neuropathy.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of the side effects listed above, which include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- weakness
- fatigue
- difficulty breathing
- jaundice
- diarrhea
- pain
- tingling
- numbness
- burning of the hands or feet
- trouble sleeping
- irritability
Also, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.