What is Nevirapine for ?

This medication is a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, prescribed for HIV infection and AIDS.

How does Nevirapine work ?

It inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase enzyme and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses.

How should Nevirapine be used ?

To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses. Use as you have been told, even if you are feeling better. Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. Long-acting tablet: Swallow it whole. Do not chew, break, or crush it. There is a liquid (suspension) if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use. Those who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given. If liquid (suspension) is poured in a cup, rinse the cup with water and drink to get all of the drug.

Common side effects of Nevirapine ?

Headache. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Feeling tired or weak. Belly pain. Harm to the liver may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. If you miss 7 days of this drug, call your doctor to find out what to do. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Nevirapine ?

If you have an allergy to nevirapine or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have very bad liver disease.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Not able to eat. Very bad mouth irritation. Very bad muscle pain or weakness. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Feeling very tired or weak. Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation. Very bad skin irritation. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Nevirapine with other medicines ?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid Alcohol.

How do I store Nevirapine ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Antivirals.