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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Viramune and Equivalent

Viramune Information

Viramune (Nevirapine) is mainly used along with other antiretroviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in children and adults. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system, making the body less able to fight infections. Viramune can also be used to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to baby in women who have not been taking antiretroviral therapy before. The active ingredient is nevirapine, a member of the class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and it relies on an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to replicate. Viramune works by binding to this enzyme, essentially blocking its ability to create more viral DNA. This action interrupts the HIV replication cycle, which helps to lower the amount of virus in the blood and can slow the destruction of the immune system. Although it does not cure HIV, when combined with other antiretroviral medicines, it provides long-term control of the disease. It reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to others, especially during pregnancy and delivery, when mother-to-child transmission is a significant concern.

Viramune Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medicine include abdominal or stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, and sleepiness. You may also experience increased fat in the upper back and neck, breasts, and trunk, as well as loss of fat from the arms, legs, or face while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Anemia (low red blood cells), with symptoms like pale skin, unusual tiredness, or weakness;
• Fever, chill, rigor, cough, body rash, and other symptoms of immune system changes;
• High blood pressure;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, darkened urine, light-coloured stools, nausea, and vomiting;
• Muscle and joint aches;
• Severe skin reactions, such as itchy skin rash and blisters

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Viramune Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to nevirapine, the inactive ingredients in Viramune, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Galactose intolerance, Lactase deficiency (a rare hereditary condition), or glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease

Apply caution when engaging in activities such as driving or using tools or machines, as you may experience fatigue when taking Viramune. Oral hormonal contraceptives may not work well during treatment with this medicine. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider about other forms of birth control methods. Your doctor will order regular blood tests to watch for possible adverse effects, including liver problems. Consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Kindly note that breastfeeding is generally not recommended in women with HIV as the infection can be passed to the baby through breast milk. Nevirapine may interact with other medications or substances, such as antifungal medications, methadone, St. John's Wort, and some other antiretroviral drugs. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Viramune to prevent potential drug interactions.

Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose of this medicine. Your doctor may instruct you to start with one dose daily for the first 14 days to reduce the risk of skin rash, then increase to twice daily if tolerated well. You can take the tablets with or without food, but try to take them at the same time each day to keep steady levels in your body. Always continue your medication even if you feel well, since stopping suddenly can make the virus resistant. Refer to the leaflet included in the medication pack for additional usage instructions. Store nevirapine tablets at room temperature and protect them from excessive light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Viramune?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Viramune.