Viramune (Nevirapine)

What is Viramune?

Viramune is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

What is Viramune used for?

Viramune, in combination with other drugs, is used for the treatment of HIV infection to decrease the levels of HIV virus in the body.

How does Viramune work?

Viramune works by disrupting the growth of the HIV virus.

How to use Viramune

Follow the instructions given by your doctor and in case of any queries regarding dosage, go through the instruction leaflet attached with it.

Viramune is to be taken orally, with or without taking your meals. Usually swallowed with water, you may even use other liquids like milk and soda.

For best results, take it at the same time everyday and if possible, do not miss your dose. Even when you start feeling better, continue with the dosage.

Viramune warnings and precautions

Viramune should be taken in recommendation from your doctor in the prescribed amount. An increase in the dosage might result in increased risk of side effects. Do it only when your doctor tells you to.

As Viramune is not a cure for HIV, try and stay under the care of a medical practitioner. Viramune does not protect you from infection through sexual contact, so you are advised to use improved contraceptive measures. Keep away from using shared needles or any other personal items.

You are likely to notice a change in body fat, go and see a doctor if it happens. The effectiveness of hormonal birth control is liable to alter, so use birth control.

Your doctor might recommend some lab tests, do not miss any of them. These lab tests are done to keep a check on the risk of side effects.

The safety and efficacy of Viramune has yet not been verified in children below 3 months of age, so check with your doctor.

Pregnant and lactating women should talk to their doctors regarding the risk involved.

What do I do if I have missed a Viramune dose?

If you have missed your Viramune dose, you should take it as soon as possible after you remember. If it’s time for the next dose, then skip the missed one and go back to the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Viramune overdose?

If you have taken a Viramune overdose, you should contact your nearest poison control centre and make sure you consult your physician.

Viramune interactions

Before you commence with your treatment with Viramune, tell your doctor about all your prescribed and non-prescribed dosages.

Some drugs like rifampin are said to alter the efficacy of Viramune. Some other medicines like hormonal contraceptives, tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors, clonazepam, azole antifungals, ethosuximide, ergot alkaloids, methadone, tacrolimus, sirolimus, cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, exemestane,  and HIV protease inhibitors too are said to do the same.

Fluconazole are likely to augment the risk of Viramune. You might notice skin rashes if Viramune is made to interact with prednisone.

Viramune side effects

Some minor or common side effects of Viramune are vomiting, diarrhea, mild nausea, tiredness, stomach pain, and headache. These must be taken care of in case they persist or cause trouble.

The major or severe side effects demand medial aid and should instantly be reported to the doctor. These comprise mouth sores, change in the amount of urine produced, tiredness, or weakness, unusual nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin, swollen lymph glands, eye irritation pain, general feeling of being unwell, allergies like itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of mouth, face, lips, or tongue, etc.