Nevirapine extended-release tablets
Nevirapine extended-release tablets
What is this medicine?
NEVIRAPINE (ne VYE ra peen) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. This medicine can lower, but not fully prevent, the risk of spreading HIV to others.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, blisters, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
dark urine
fever
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
muscle or joint aches
right upper belly pain
red or swollen eyes
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
itraconazole
ketoconazole
rifampin
rifapentine
St. John's Wort
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
cisapride
clarithromycin
cyclophosphamide
cyclosporine
ergotamine
fentanyl
fluconazole
medicines for blood pressure like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, lidocaine
medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, clonazepam, ethosuximide
methadone
other medicines for HIV
rifabutin
sirolimus
tacrolimus
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
liver disease
skin condition or rash
an unusual or allergic reaction to nevirapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm.
Severe liver reactions or skin rashes are seen in some patients taking this medicine. The risk of these reactions is greatest during the first 18 weeks of treatment, but can happen anytime. Be sure to carefully monitor for the mentioned side effects and contact your doctor when necessary.
Updated:  
November 11, 2018