Nevirapine Information

NEVIRAPINE (ne VYE ra peen) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. This medicine can lower, but not fully prevent, the risk of spreading HIV to others.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -kidney disease -liver disease -skin condition or rash -an unusual or allergic reaction to nevirapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -itraconazole -ketoconazole -rifampin -rifapentine -St. John's Wort This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections -cisapride -clarithromycin -cyclophosphamide -cyclosporine -ergotamine -fentanyl -fluconazole -medicines for blood pressure like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil -medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, lidocaine -medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, clonazepam, ethosuximide -methadone -other medicines for HIV -rifabutin -sirolimus -tacrolimus -warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine. HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV. Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm. Severe liver reactions or skin rashes are seen in some patients taking this medicine. The risk of these reactions is greatest during the first 18 weeks of treatment, but can happen anytime. Be sure to carefully monitor for the mentioned side effects and contact your doctor when necessary.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, blisters, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -dark urine -fever -general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms -light-colored stools -loss of appetite, nausea -muscle or joint aches -right upper belly pain -red or swollen eyes -redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -unusually weak or tired -yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -diarrhea -headache -weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.