Nevirapine (By mouth)
ne-VIR-a-peen
Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. Nevirapine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combination treatment including nevirapine may slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Nevirapine is used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by lowering the amount of HIV in the blood.
Nevirapine will not cure HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems that usually result from AIDS or HIV disease. Nevirapine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have some of the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, nevirapine is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV during labor and at birth (prevention).
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment. Do not change your dose or stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Shake the oral liquid gently just before you use it. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure the right dose. If you are using a medicine cup, make sure you drink the full dose of medicine. After you swallow the medicine, add some water to the cup and drink the water. This will help make sure you get the full dose of medicine.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Do not take more than one form of nevirapine at the same time. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses. Contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
If you stop taking this medicine for more than 7 days, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose:Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not take atazanavir, boceprevir, delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, rifampin, rilpivirine, telaprevir, St John’s wort, or birth control pills while being treated with this medicine, unless your doctor says it is okay.
Some foods and medicines can affect how nevirapine works. Tell your doctor if you are using cisapride, clarithromycin, cyclophosphamide, ergotamine, fluconazole, methadone, rifabutin, other medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as fosamprenavir/ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir/ritonavir), a narcotic pain reliever (such as fentanyl), medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, clonazepam, ethosuximide), medicine that weakens the immune system (such as cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, disopyramide, lidocaine), certain blood pressure medicines (such as diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), or a blood thinner (such as warfarin).
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to nevirapine, or if you have moderate or severe liver problems.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis B or C).
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Severe liver problems Serious skin reactions Changes in body fatYour immune system may get stronger when you start taking this medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Viramune, Viramune O/S, Viramune XR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.