NEVIRAPINE SUSPENSION-ORAL, Viramune
GENERIC NAME: NEVIRAPINE SUSPENSION - ORAL (neh-VYE-ruh-peen)
BRAND NAME(S): Viramune
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: See also How to Use, Precautions, and Notes sections. Nevirapine has infrequently caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver and skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, allergic reaction), especially during the first 18 weeks of therapy. These reactions are most likely to occur during the first 6 weeks of therapy but can occur at any time while taking nevirapine. If you develop a rash at any time while using this medication or if you develop unusual fatigue, abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek immediate medical attention (liver function tests should also be done at this time). If you had a severe liver or skin reaction while on this drug in the past, you should not restart therapy with nevirapine again. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
USES: This medication is used in the treatment of infection with the HIV virus (the virus that causes AIDS). It is used in combination with other HIV-fighting medications. No cure exists for HIV infection, and the illnesses associated with your disease (infections, etc.) may continue. Because HIV can quickly become resistant to this medication if used alone, nevirapine must be used with at least 1 other anti-HIV medication. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if this medication stops working well.
HOW TO USE: Shake gently before each dose and take exactly as directed by your doctor. Use an oral dosing syringe or dosing cup available from your pharmacist to measure the right dose. Dosage for the first 14 days is lower to minimize rash occurrence. Nevirapine is taken with at least one other antiretroviral medication for HIV. If a rash develops in the first two weeks, do not increase the dose until the rash is gone. Consult your doctor. If treatment is stopped for more than 7 days, re-starting this drug should follow the same dosing pattern as before; or as directed by your doctor. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning Section. Nausea or headache may occur. Notify your prescriber if these problems persist or worsen. Notify your prescriber immediately if you develop: fever, blistering, mouth sores, pink eye (conjunctivitis), swelling, muscle/joint aches, tingling or numb hands or feet. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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