If you are being treated for HIV infection, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Nevirapine. This is a very important medication in your treatment journey. So, in this article, we will talk very simply about what this medication is, how to use it, and what we need to be especially careful about.
What kind of medicine is Nevirapine?
Simply put, Nevirapine is a drug that belongs to the group of antiretroviral drugs. Its main function is to control the HIV virus in your body. It is usually used in combination with several other HIV medications.
The most important thing: This medicine cannot completely cure HIV. However, it can help you live a healthy life by controlling the amount of virus in your body. Also, when used correctly, it can reduce the risk of passing HIV to someone else.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor has a complete understanding of your health. Before starting Nevirapine, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Since the medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, the dosage may need to be adjusted if you have kidney problems. |
| Liver disease | (Very important) Because Nevirapine can affect the liver, it should be used with great caution if you already have liver disease. |
| Skin condition or rash | It is important to be aware of existing skin conditions, as this medication can cause severe skin reactions. |
| Allergies | Tell us if you have any allergies to Nevirapine or any other medicines or foods. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | Special advice should be sought regarding the use of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are breastfeeding | This medication is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, and it is important to seek medical advice. |
How to use Nevirapine tablets correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. This is a specially formulated (extended-release) tablet that releases the medication into the body over time. If you break it, that process is disrupted, and you could take a large dose at once.
- This can be taken with or without food.
- Never skip a dose of your medicine. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking it until your doctor tells you to. If you skip doses, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and possibly other medicines. This is very dangerous.
- When you are prescribed this medicine, you will be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide). Always read it carefully.
- If you overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with Nevirapine
Nevirapine can interact with many other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbs, and pain relievers).
| Do not take Nevirapine with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Itraconazole | Rifampin |
| Ketoconazole | Rifapentine |
| St. John's Wort (an herb some people take for mental well-being) | |
| Problems can occur with this medication (tell your doctor) | |
| Methadone | Warfarin (blood thinner) |
| Birth control pills (Estrogens or progestins) | Other HIV medications |
| Some medications for blood pressure (e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine) | Medicines for irregular heartbeat (e.g. amiodarone) |
| Some medications used for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, clonazepam) | Clarithromycin (an antibiotic) |
This list is not complete, so it is important to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement you are taking.
Things to be especially careful about when taking this medicine:
Severe skin allergies and liver problems
This is the most important thing to know about Nevirapine. This medicine can cause severe skin reactions and liver damage in some people, which can be life-threatening . This risk is highest within the first 18 weeks of starting the medicine, but it can happen at any time.
If you develop a rash along with fever and body aches, tell your doctor right away. These spots may later turn into blisters and the skin may start to peel off. Also, if you notice swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, tell your doctor right away.
About birth control
Very important! If you are a woman using birth control pills, taking Nevirapine may reduce the effectiveness of those pills. This means that you are at risk of becoming pregnant. Therefore, you should definitely use another barrier method of birth control, such as a condom. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
What side effects might I experience?
Like all medications, Nevirapine can have side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe skin rash, blisters, itching, peeling skin | Swelling of the face, lips, tongue (Allergic reaction) |
| Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools | Pain in the upper right abdomen (these could be liver problems) |
| Fever, body aches, feverishness | Loss of appetite, nausea, extreme fatigue |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Weight changes (increased waistline, back, or weight loss in the face, arms, and legs) | |
Take-Home Message
- Nevirapine is an important drug that controls, but does not cure, HIV.
- Do not skip medication for any reason. Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- Be very careful about severe skin allergies and liver problems . If you notice anything like fever, skin rashes accompanied by body aches, or yellowing of the eyes, see a doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take (including herbal remedies).
- If you are taking birth control pills, be sure to use an additional barrier method, such as a condom, to prevent pregnancy.
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