Health Library

Nevirapine (By mouth)

Nevirapine (ne-VIR-a-peen)

Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. Nevirapine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combination treatment including nevirapine may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Viramune, Viramune XR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment. Do not change your dose or stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• Shake the oral liquid gently just before you use it. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure the right dose. If you are using a medicine cup, make sure you drink the full dose of medicine. After you swallow the medicine, add some water to the cup and drink the water. This will help make sure you get the full dose of medicine.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Do not take more than one form of nevirapine at the same time. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses. Contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• If you stop taking this medicine for more than 7 days, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how nevirapine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, clonazepam, cyclosporine, ergotamine, ethosuximide, fentanyl, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methadone, sirolimus, tacrolimus
  • Birth control pills
  • Blood pressure medicine (including diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil)
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (including atazanavir, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine, saqunavir/ritonavir)
  • Medicine to treat infection (including clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis B or C).
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Severe liver problems
  • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
  • Changes in body fat
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking this medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024