What is this medication for?
Nevirapine belongs to the class of medications called antiretrovirals. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Nevirapine is one of a class of medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. Nevirapine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly.
Nevirapine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It slows further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications, and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Viramune® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of nevirapine is 200 mg once a day for the first 14 days , and then continues at a dose of 200 mg twice daily . This medication may be taken with or without food. Your doctor may decide on a different dosing pattern. Do not change your dose unless instructed by your doctor.
For children aged 2 months to 8 years, the recommended dose is 4 mg/kg once a day for the first 14 days and then continues at a dose of 7 mg/kg twice daily.
For children over 8 years of age, the recommended dose is 4 mg/kg daily f or 14 days then continues at 4 mg/kg twice daily.
It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. The effectiveness of the medicine depends on maintaining the right amount of nevirapine in the bloodstream.
The initial dose of 200 mg once daily helps to reduce the risk of rash that may develop with use of nevirapine. If you do develop a rash while taking this medication, call your doctor for further instruction. If you have been asked to stop taking the medication for more than a seven-day period, your doctor will likely have you start taking only one 200 mg tablet daily for the first 14 days and then increase to 200 mg twice daily after that.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture and k eep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Nevirapine should not be used by anyone who is allergic to nevirapine or any ingredients of the medication.