Has your doctor told you to start taking Delavirdine as a treatment for HIV infection? So, let's talk briefly about this drug, what it actually does, how to use it, and what side effects it can cause. Having a clear understanding of these things is very important for your treatment journey to be successful.
What is Delavirdine?
Simply put, Delavirdine is a drug that fights the HIV virus. We call these antiretroviral drugs. It is usually used in combination with several other HIV drugs.
The important thing is that this medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. But it does control the amount of HIV in your body and reduce its activity.
This will strengthen your immune system. Also, when used correctly, this medicine can reduce the risk of transmitting the HIV virus from you to someone else. But it will not eliminate that risk completely.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety and the success of your treatment, be sure to discuss the following information with your doctor before starting Delavirdine.
- If you have a condition called achlorhydria (low stomach acid production).
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Delavirdine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Telling your doctor about these things without hiding them will help him provide you with a more appropriate and safe treatment plan.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of your medication, it is essential to take it as prescribed.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals. Take it in a way that doesn't bother you.
- For those who sometimes have difficulty swallowing pills, you can dissolve the 100mg tablets in water and drink them. Consult your doctor about this.
- Most importantly: Take the exact dose, exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and never skip a dose.
- Even if you feel better, do not stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice. Skipping doses or stopping early can cause the HIV virus to become resistant to this medicine and other medicines, making treatment more difficult.
Can this medicine be given to children?
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it and get advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is a very important part. Delavirdine is a drug that can interact with many other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Drug type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Never take Delavirdine with this medicine. | |
| Some medications for anxiety | alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam |
| Some cholesterol-lowering medications | lovastatin, simvastatin, red yeast rice |
| Medications for heart rhythm disorders | dofetilide, encainide, flecainide |
| Some medications for migraines | carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin |
| Some medications for migraines | dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine |
| Some medicines for tuberculosis | rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine |
| Other medications | cisapride, naloxegol, pimozide, ranolazine, St. John's wort |
| Talk to your doctor if you are taking Delavirdine with this medicine. | |
| Other HIV medications | Other antiretroviral drugs |
| Blood pressure and heart disease medications | Ex: atorvastatin |
| Female hormones and birth control | Birth control pills, patches, injections |
| Medicines that reduce stomach acid | Medications such as antacids, cimetidine, omeprazole |
| Many other medicines | clarithromycin, dexamethasone, warfarin, methadone, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, fluticasone, antidepressants, sleeping pills. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical checkups: See your doctor on a regular basis. Talk to him about any new symptoms you have. You may also need to have some important blood tests to check how your body is functioning.
- HIV Transmission: HIV can be transmitted to others through sexual contact or blood. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to prevent this.
- Birth control: If you are a woman using birth control pills, they may not work as well while taking this medication. So, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom .
- Antacids: Avoid taking antacids or other acid-reducing medications for heartburn within one hour before or after taking Delaverdine.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medicine, delavirdine can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| - Skin rash, itching, hives (allergic reaction) - Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue | - Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth) |
| - Yellowing of the eyes or skin - Dark urine | - Light-colored stools - Pain in the upper right side of the stomach |
| - Loss of appetite, nausea - General malaise, fever | - Unusual tiredness or weakness - Muscle pain or weakness |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| - Headache | - Indigestion, diarrhea |
| - Nausea, vomiting | - Difficulty falling asleep |
| - Depressed mood | - Weight gain in the waist and back area and thinning of the face, arms, and legs |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Delavirdine is part of HIV treatment, not a cure for HIV.
- Do not skip a dose or stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications (including vitamins and herbal supplements) you are taking.
- Because birth control pills may be less effective, consider using an extra protective method, such as a condom .
- If you experience any serious side effects such as skin rash, yellowing of the eyes, or dark urine, seek medical advice immediately .
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න