Viramune

Viramune (Nevirapine)

General information

Viramune belongs to the class of antiretroviral medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It is used with other medications to help control your HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV disease complications (such as new infections, cancer). Viramune does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It helps to slow down further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications.

Directions

Take Viramune exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose is 200 mg once a day for the first 2 weeks, and then 200 mg twice a day (every 12 hours) after that. Take this medication by mouth with or without food. Take Viramune with a full glass of water. You may also take the medicine with milk or a soft drink. If liver problems or allergic reactions occur while you are taking this medication once daily, seek immediate medical attention and do not increase the dose to twice daily. Do not take more than 400 mg daily.

Precautions

Before taking Viramune you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, kidney dialysis, lactose or galactose intolerance, any allergies. This drug may make some people drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes.

Contraindications

Do not take Viramune if you are allergic to nevirapine or any ingredients of this medication, or if you have severely reduced liver function. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, abdominal or stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, low red blood cells, pale skin, itching, hives, redness, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, abdominal cramps, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: seizure medications (phenytoin, felbamate, carbamazepine), HIV/AIDS medications (nevirapine, lamivudine, zidovudine), heart or blood pressure medications (metoprolol, bumetanide, triamterene), ergot medications (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, bromocriptine), antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin), blood thinners (warfarin), antifungal medications (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dizziness, skin rash, trouble breathing, headache, tired feeling, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting , weight loss, fever, joint pain, wheezing, cough.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.