Viramune (Nevirapine)

Viramune (Nevirapine) Medication Information:

What is Viramune (Nevirapine)?

Viramune belongs to a class of medications known as NNRTIs or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is a prescription drug that is used to treat HIV-related diseases. Viramune can be taken alone or in combination with other drugs.

What is Viramune (Nevirapine) used for?

Viramune (Nevirapine) is used with other prescribed HIV drugs to help control HIV infection. It helps in the reduction of HIV in your body, allowing your immune system to function more effectively. This reduces your risk of HIV consequences (such as new infections and cancer) while also improving your quality of life.

How does Viramune work?

Viramune (Nevirapine) is an inhibitor of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRTI). When an enzyme called reverse transcriptase is inhibited, HIV is unable to replicate and spread.

Direction:

How to take Viramune (Nevirapine) ?

It is an oral tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule; instead, swallow it whole. It is available as capsules and tablets and must be given in combination with other antiviral medicines.

What is the different dosage available?

Viramune ( Nevirapine) is available as an oral tablet of 200mg, and an oral suspension of 50mg for children.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dose for VIRAMUNE is one 200mg tablet daily in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, for the first 14 days, followed by one 200mg tablet twice daily.

What is the maximum dosage?

The maximum dosage for the medicine in adults is 400mg which is used along with an antiretroviral agent. Dosage is adjusted based on the weight and health conditions of an individual.

What if you forget to give a dose of Viramune?

As soon as you recollect, take the missed dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.

Viramune Precautions:

What should you know about Viramune (Nevirapine) before you start taking it?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any mental or mood illnesses (such as depression, or suicidal thoughts), liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), seizures, or high cholesterol/triglyceride levels before using this medication.

Viramune Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Viramune (Nevirapine)?

Dizziness, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, cough, Chest pain, facial swelling, nausea, loss of appetite, skin rashes, changes in the shape or the location of body fats are all common symptoms of Viramune. Inform your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Viramune Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

Before taking Nevirapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions you have, especially liver disorders (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), and kidney dialysis before using Viramune.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?
Viramune (Nevirapine) should be stored at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC)away from light, heat, moisture, and reach of the children.

Other Important Information:

• Make sure no one else uses this medication without any prescription,
• The chances of treatment failure grow when dosages are skipped. Make sure you take all of your medications at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any allergies, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  Don't increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV drugs) for even a short time without your doctor's permission.
• This medication may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating. which can be exacerbated by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis).

FAQs:

Can Viramune (Nevirapine) be taken alone?

Nevirapine must be given in combination with other antiviral medications and it should not be used alone.

Is it safe to take Viramune (Nevirapine) during pregnancy?

If a woman becomes pregnant while using Nevirapine (Viramune), she can probably keep taking it for the duration of her pregnancy. But, it is not safe for a pregnant woman to start taking it before and throughout her pregnancy period.

What time should I give baby Nevirapine?

It is the most cost-effective method of preventing HIV transmission from mother to child. The mother receives one dose at the start of labor and the baby receives one dose between 48 and 72 hours after birth.

Why is Viramune (Nevirapine) taken on an empty stomach?

Viramune should be taken on an empty stomach, because your body absorbs more efavirenz after a meal, increasing the risk of side effects.

Can alcohol be consumed while on Viramune (Nevirapine)?

One should avoid drinking alcohol while using Nevirapine as it may increase your risk of liver damage.