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Nevirapine |
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What is Nevirapine and why is it prescribed? Nevirapine is prescribed for advanced cases of HIV. Nevirapine is generally prescribed only after the immune system has declined and infections have begun to appear. It is always taken with at least one other HIV medication such as Retrovir or Videx. If taken alone, it can cause the virus to become resistant. Even if used properly, it may be effective for only a limited time. Like other drugs for HIV, Nevirapine works by impairing the virus's ability to multiply. The most important side effect of Nevirapine is a rash which occasionally becomes so serious as to be life-threatening. It usually appears during the first 6 weeks of therapy and strikes women more often than men. If you notice any signs of a rash, inform your doctor immediately. If it becomes severe or is accompanied by fever, blisters, mouth sores, red eyes, swelling, muscle or joint aches, or general fatigue, stop taking the drug and call your doctor. How should you take Nevirapine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nevirapine. Be sure to take Nevirapine every day, exactly as prescribed. Increase the dosage only when directed. To avoid development of resistance, be careful to take your other HIV drugs as well. If you are using the oral suspension, shake it gently before each dose. Give it to the child with an oral dosing syringe or dosing cup. After each dose, rinse the cup with water and give the rinse to the child as well. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Store tablets and oral suspension at room temperature in a tightly closed bottle. Are there any Nevirapine side effects? Nevirapine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nevirapine side effects may include liver damage and rash. Less common Nevirapine side effects may include abdominal pain, allergic reactions, diarrhea, drowsiness, drug withdrawal, fat redistribution, fatigue, fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, tingling, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nevirapine? If Nevirapine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Nevirapine may interfere with the Pill and other hormonal contraceptives. Do not use this form of contraception during Nevirapine therapy. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nevirapine with Cimetidine (Tagamet), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Macrolide antibiotics (such as Biaxin, Dynabac, Ery-Tab, ERYC, Tao, and Zithromax), Methadone (Dolophine), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), or St. John's Wort. Are there any special warnings about Nevirapine? Nevirapine has been known to cause serious, even fatal, liver damage, especially during the first 12 to 16 weeks of therapy. People with hepatitis B or C and a CD4+ cell count above 350 are more likely to develop this problem. Women are at greater risk than men. Warning signs include fatigue, a vaguely ill feeling, poor appetite, nausea, yellowish skin or eyes, pale stools, and tenderness in the midriff. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms. If liver damage has occurred, you'll have to permanently discontinue Nevirapine therapy. Nevirapine does not completely eliminate HIV from the body. Though Nevirapine can slow the progress of HIV, it is not a cure. Frequent check-ups and tests are still advisable. |
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