VIRAMUNE (NEVIRAPINE)

Description of Viramune

Viramune or the generic Nevirapine is a medicine that is prescribed to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children. Viramune is used in combination with other HIV medicines in order to act on the virus at different stages. By taking 3 or 4 drugs combined, there is less risk of the virus being able to become immune to all of the drugs. The remaining meds will continue to work on lowering the amount of the virus in your body (viral load). The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Viramune Acts in Your Body

Viramune belongs to a class of HIV drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. When taken as instructed, NNRTIs attach to and inhibit an HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase. By blocking reverse transcriptase, NNRTIs prevent HIV from entering the nucleus of CD4 cells and producing new viruses. CD4 cells are important to your immune system and by reducing the amount of HIV in your body, your immune system is able to recover somewhat in order to fight off opportunistic infections. This drug is also able to pass easily through the “blood-brain barrier” which will help with symptoms of AIDS-related dementia.

Conditions Treated by Viramune

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. There is no cure for HIV, but medication can reduce the amount of virus in your body and help you to stay healthy. Without treatment, HIV damages the immune system and may develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Having HIV does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS occurs when a person's immune system has been severely weakened by HIV, usually due to not receiving treatment.

HIV is found in semen, blood, breast milk, vaginal and anal fluids. Most people get HIV by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV. HIV can be passed when sharing drug equipment, such as syringes, with someone who has HIV. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or during breast-feeding.

Before Viramune is Prescribed

You should not take Viramune if you have liver disease. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take or use, including prescription and OTC drugs, and vitamin or herbal supplements, this will help your doctor determine if Viramune is safe for you to take. You must stay on continuous HIV therapy to control HIV infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

Viramune Risks and Recommendations

Viramune can make birth control pills less effective. You should consult your doctor about using a non-hormonal form of birth control if you are taking Viramune. Viramune may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions. Discuss the symptoms of such reactions with your doctor before you begin treatment with Viramune.

Possible Side Effects of Viramune

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Serious side effects of Viramune or generic Nevirapine include severe liver problems, skin rash, and skin reactions. These should be reported to your physician immediately. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.