Viramune (nevirapine)

Classification:

Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)

Form:

• 200mg tablet (white; oval)
• 50mg/5cc oral solution

Dosage:

One 200mg tablet twice per day or two tablets once daily.

Initially, "lead-in" dosing is used to minimize the chance of side effects. One 200mg tablet is given daily for 14 days then increased to one 200mg tablet twice daily.

Instructions:

May be taken with or without food but taking with food may help reduce nausea. Doses should be taken as close to 12 hours apart as possible. If a dose is missed don't double up the next dose.

Side effects to report to your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea / vomiting / diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue or weakness
• Rash
  • Most rashes occur within the first 6 weeks of therapy.
  • If you develop a severe rash or a rash with fever, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, swelling, muscle or joint aches, or general malaise stop taking Viramune immediately and contact your doctor.
  • Don't increase your dose to twice a day if rash develops within the first 14 days.

Drug interactions or incompatibility:

Viramune may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. A latex condom should always be used to prevent HIV transmission.

Special Warning:

Important Warning! - Nevirapine has been associated with severe liver toxicity in some cases, prompting a warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Liver function should be closely monitored when a person is taking Viramune (nevirapine), particularly during the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Measuring the Health of Your Liver

For more information:

To learn more about Viramune, take a look at About.com's Drug Finder

More HIV medication fact sheets