Nevirapine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Viramune

Proper Use of This Medicine

Nevirapine may be taken with or without food.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Keep taking nevirapine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times, day and night. For example, if you are to take one dose a day, try to take it at the same time each day. If you are taking two doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 12 hours apart. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

If you are taking the oral solution shake it gently before use. Use an oral dosing syringe or dosing cup to measure the right dose. After drinking the medicine, rinse the dosing cup with water and drink the rinse to make sure you get all of the medicine. If your dose is less than 5 ml (one teaspoon) use the syringe.

It is important that you read the patient information package insert before you start taking this medicine. Read it again each time you refill your prescription. There may be new information. Reading the patient information leaflet does not take the place of talking to your doctor. You and your doctor should discuss nevirapine when you start taking your medicine and at regular checkups.

Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed specially for you. Do not share your medicine with others.

Dosing - The dose of nevirapine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of nevirapine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (suspension or tablets):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults - 200 milligrams (mg) once a day for two weeks, followed by 200 mg two times a day, in combination with other medicines.
    • Children 8 years of age and older - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 4 mg per kilogram (kg) (1.8 mg per pound) of body weight once a day for two weeks, followed by 4 mg per kg (1.8 mg per pound) of body weight two times a day, in combination with other medicines.
    • Infants 2 months old and children up to 8 years of age - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 4 mg per kilogram (kg) (1.8 mg per pound) of body weight once a day for two weeks, followed by 7 mg per kg (3.2 mg per pound) of body weight two times a day, in combination with other medicines.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light. The oral suspension form of this medicine does not need to be refrigerated.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.