Nevirapine (By Mouth)

Nevirapine (ne-VYE-ra-peen)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nevirapine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs that treat HIV infection may slow the disease process and may prolong your life.

Brand Name(s):

Viramune
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nevirapine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Your dose may need to be increased after the first 2 weeks of taking the medicine. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the amount you take without asking your doctor.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
• Shake the oral liquid gently just before using it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. If you use a medicine cup, make sure you drink the full dose of medicine. After swallowing the medicine, add some water to the cup and drink the water. This will help to get all of the medicine out of the cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• If you miss doses for longer than 7 days in a row, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat, moisture, or direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking St. John's wort, methadone, rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®).
• Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work while you are using nevirapine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor right away if you develop any type of skin rash, even a mild rash. Stop taking the medicine and get emergency medical help if you have a rash with blisters, fever, mouth sores, red or irritated eyes, swelling in the face, muscle or joint pain, or weakness.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver or kidney disease.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• Report any changes in your health to your doctor. The long-term effects of this medicine are not yet known.
• Nevirapine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone else.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Any type of skin rash
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, pain in the upper stomach
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Muscle or joint pain
• Upset stomach, nausea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.