Nevirapine

What is nevirapine?

Nevirapine (also called Viramune^®) is used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This medicine is one of a group called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Nevirapine can slow down how soon you will see symptoms or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection. Nevirapine is available as a 200-mg tablet.

How to take nevirapine

• This medicine is usually taken one (1) time a day for the first 2 weeks of therapy. After 2 weeks, the medicine is taken 2 times a day – one (1) time in the morning and one (1) time at night.
• Take nevirapine with or without food. Taking the medicine right after you eat a meal may help prevent upset stomach.

Possible side effects of nevirapine

• Rash (the most common side effect); If you experience any type of rash, stop taking nevirapine right away and call the doctor or nurse.
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Low blood counts
• Unusual tired feeling

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for nevirapine

• Store nevirapine tablets at room temperature.
• Blood tests can find some side effects, such as low blood counts. It is very important that you come to the clinic regularly for blood tests.
• Some medicines may affect the way nevirapine works. These medicines include St. John’s wort, rifampin, and rifabutin.
• Nevirapine may affect the way other medicines work. These medicines include itraconazole, ketoconazole, and birth control pills.
• Always tell the doctor if you are taking any of these medicines or if you start taking any new medicines while you are taking nevirapine.