NEVIRAPINE ORAL (neh-VYE-ruh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viramune
WARNING: Because HIV can quickly become resistant to this medication if used alone, nevirapine must be used with at least 1 other anti-HIV medication. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if this medication stops working well. Nevirapine has caused severe, even fatal, liver and skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, allergic reaction). If you develop a rash while using this medication, stop using nevirapine and notify your doctor immediately. If you develop unusual fatigue, abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, nausea, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek immediate medical attention.
USES: This medication is used in the treatment of infection with the HIV virus (the virus that causes AIDS). It is used in combination with other HIV medications in selected patients. No cure exists for HIV infection, and the illnesses associated with your disease (infections, etc.) may continue.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take by mouth as directed. The usual dose is one 200mg tablet daily for the first 14 days, then followed by one 200mg tablet twice a day. Nevirapine is taken with at least one other medication (antiretroviral) for HIV. It is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully in order to minimize serious side effects, such as rash. If a rash develops in the first two weeks, the nevirapine dose is not increased until the rash is gone. If treatment is stopped for more than 7 days, then re-treatment should begin with one 200mg tablet daily for 14 days, then one 200mg tablet twice a day.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or headache may occur. Notify your prescriber if these problems persist or worsen. Notify your prescriber immediately if you experience: rash, itching, fever, blistering, mouth sores, pink eye (conjunctivitis), swelling, muscle/joint aches, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain, tingling/numbness of the hands or feet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your prescriber or pharmacist about all the medicines you take (prescription and nonprescription), especially of: protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, saquinavir), terfenadine, ketoconazole, astemizole, alprazolam, triazolam, nifedipine, cyclosporine, prednisone; hydrocortisone (corticosteroids), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin), rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin), methadone, cimetidine, St John’s wort. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: The long-term effects of nevirapine are unknown at this time. Nevirapine has not been shown to reduce the chance of transmitting the HIV virus to others. Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function) will be performed in order to monitor for drug side effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose. Instead, keep taking the medication on your regular schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from moisture and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tightly closed bottle.