Doravirine

Generic name: doravirine [ DOR-a-VIR-een ]
Brand name: Pifeltro
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg)
Drug class: NNRTIs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 12, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is doravirine?

Doravirine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Doravirine is used together with other medicines to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Doravirine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Doravirine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Doravirine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Doravirine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken doravirine). Tell your doctor if you have:

• signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;

• trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or

• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

Common side effects of doravirine may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• headache, dizziness;

• tiredness; or

• strange dreams.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use doravirine if you are allergic to it.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with doravirine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you have used any of the following medicines in the past 4 weeks:

• enzalutamide;

• mitotane;

• rifampin;

• rifapentine;

• St. John's wort; or

• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or oxcarbazepine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

doravirine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take doravirine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Doravirine is usually taken once per day. If you also take a medicine called rifabutin, you may need to take doravirine twice per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Use all HIV medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Do not put the tablets into a daily pill box.

Doravirine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection:

100 mg orally once a day

Use: In combination with other antiretroviral agents, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients: with no prior antiretroviral treatment history, OR to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically-suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to this drug

Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection:

At least 35 kg: 100 mg orally once a day

Use: In combination with other antiretroviral agents, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients: with no prior antiretroviral treatment history, OR to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically-suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to this drug

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking doravirine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect doravirine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• rifabutin (or if you have taken it in the past 4 weeks).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect doravirine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• What drugs are contained in the HIV treatment Delstrigo?
• What type of drug is Pifeltro (doravirine)?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.