Nevirapine: how to take it safely
Viramune
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats HIV and helps prevent passing HIV from mother to baby.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- Take the lead-in dose for the first 14 days exactly as your clinic told you, before moving to the full dose.
- Take it every day, even when you feel well.
When to take it
Take it once a day for 14 days, then twice a day, as your clinic told you.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Skipping the lead-in period. This raises the risk of a serious rash and liver damage.
- Alcohol.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
- Missing doses or stopping without advice. This can make the virus resistant and the medicine stop working.
- Tell your pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you take.
Possible side effects
Mild rash, nausea, headache, tiredness.
Get help if
Severe rash, blisters, fever, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain: stop it and get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.