Viramune

Viramune

     * Generic Name: nevirapine
     * Brand Name: Viramune


     * What is nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?
     * What are the possible side effects of nevirapine (Viramune,
       Viramune XR)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?
     * How should I take nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Viramune, Viramune XR)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Viramune, Viramune XR)?
     * What should I avoid while taking nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune
       XR)?
     * What other drugs will affect nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune
       XR)?
     * Where can I get more information (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

What is nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Nevirapine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human
   immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

   Nevirapine is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired
   immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nevirapine is not a cure for HIV
   or AIDS, and should not be used to prevent HIV.

   Nevirapine oral solution (liquid) is for use in adults and children as
   young as 15 days old. Nevirapine extended-release tablets are for use
   in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

   Nevirapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   joint or muscle pain, fever, mouth sores, facial swelling,
   blistering skin rash, flu symptoms, swollen glands, feeling weak or
   tired, severe tingling or numbness, pain or burning when you urinate,
   swelling in your legs or feet, cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, or
   swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat.

   Nevirapine can cause life-threatening effects on the liver, especially
   in women. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver
   symptoms while taking nevirapine: nausea, loss of appetite, upper
   stomach pain, tiredness, fever, unexplained muscle pain or
   weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice
   (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

   Nevirapine may also cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions.
   Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: a
   fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in
   your eyes, skin pain, and a red or purple skin rash that spreads and
   causes blistering and peeling. This type of reaction is a medical
   emergency.

   Nevirapine may increase your risk of certain infections or
   autoimmune disorders by changing the way your immune system
   works. Symptoms may occur weeks or months after you start treatment
   with nevirapine. Tell your doctor if you have:
     * signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands,
       mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
     * chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing,
       feeling short of breath;
     * cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
     * rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly
       feeling, problems with balance or eye movement;
     * trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of
       bladder or bowel control; or
     * swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual
       changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.

   Common side effects may include:
     * skin rash; or
     * changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your
       arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nevirapine
(Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Your blood will need to be tested often during the first few months you
   are taking nevirapine.

   Nevirapine can cause severe or fatal liver problems. Stop taking this
   medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: nausea, loss of
   appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, fever, unexplained muscle pain
   or weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of
   the skin or eyes).

   Nevirapine may also cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions.
   Stop taking nevirapine and get emergency medical help if you have: a
   fever, swelling in your face or tongue, skin pain, or a rash that
   spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

   Viramune Patient Information including How Should I Take
   HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments

   HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
   AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

   AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nevirapine
(Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to nevirapine, or
   if you have moderate to severe liver disease.

   Some medicines can interact with nevirapine and should not be used at
   the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if
   you use any of the following drugs:
     * atazanavir;
     * delavirdine;
     * etravirine;
     * itraconazole;
     * ketoconazole;
     * rifampin;
     * rilpivirine;
     * St. John's wort; or
     * telaprevir.

   To make sure nevirapine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * skin problems;
     * liver disease (or a history of hepatitis or cirrhosis);
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
     * if you have ever taken delavirdine or efavirenz and they were not
       effective in treating your condition.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby.
   However, nevirapine may be more likely to cause liver damage in a
   pregnant woman. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant. HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly
   treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to
   control your infection.

   If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry.
   This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any
   effects of nevirapine on the baby.

   Nevirapine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor
   about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with
   spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

   Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby
   is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast
   milk.

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Starting with a low
   dose can reduce your risk of skin reactions.

   Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how often to take
   this medicine.

   Nevirapine must be given in combination with other antiviral
   medications and it should not be used alone.

   Nevirapine can be taken with or without food.

   Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
   whole.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   While using nevirapine, you will need frequent blood tests (especially
   during the first 18 weeks of treatment).

   Use nevirapine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
   refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

   Call your doctor at once at the first sign of any skin rash, no matter
   how mild.

   HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all
   medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or
   patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your
   doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person
   with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Viramune Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments

   HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz
   AIDS Retrospective:Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

   AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

   If you have not taken nevirapine for 7 days in a row, call your doctor
   before you start taking the medicine again. You may need to start with
   a lower dose.

What happens if I overdose (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

   Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other
   people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes.
   Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission
   during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a
   healthy person.

What other drugs will affect nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Many drugs can interact with nevirapine, or make it less effective. Not
   all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all
   your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
     * antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C;
     * an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
     * birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin and others);
     * ergot medicine (dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, and others);
     * heart or blood pressure medication;
     * medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or
     * seizure medication.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   nevirapine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Viramune, Viramune XR)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about nevirapine.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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