Any significant side effect should be discussed with a physician. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy is higher in patients with advanced HIV disease. The symptoms may start slowly. These symptoms may be followed by sharp shooting pains or severe continuous burning pain if the drug is not withdrawn. Some people develop only mild symptoms, while others have to deal with severe pain requiring narcotic analgesics.
Advanced neuropathy is potentially irreversible.
If caught and dealt with early, this nerve damage usually heals over time. After people stop taking Zerit, their peripheral neuropathy will usually go away, but it can take weeks and even months. Also, peripheral neuropathy may continue to get worse for a little while after Zerit treatment is stopped. Careful monitoring is strongly recommended for these individuals. Zerit should be stopped promptly if signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy occur, such as when moderate discomfort from numbness, tingling, burning or pain of the extremities progresses.