Nevirapine Tablets

Generic name: Nevirapine Tablets [ ne-VYE-ra-peen ]
Brand name: Viramune
Drug class: NNRTIs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 4, 2023.

Warning

Very bad and sometimes deadly liver problems have happened with this medicine (nevirapine tablets). The chance is highest within the first 18 weeks of taking this drug, but can happen at any time. The chance is also highest in women and in people with certain CD4 counts, but can happen in men and in people with any CD4 count. Get medical help right away if you have a rash or signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
Do not take this medicine (nevirapine tablets) to prevent HIV after you have been exposed to it. It must only be used if you have HIV. Talk with your doctor.
A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
Your doctor will watch you closely during the first 18 weeks of therapy. If you have a bad skin reaction, an allergy, or any signs of liver problems, NEVER take this medicine (nevirapine tablets) again.

Uses of Nevirapine Tablets:

It is used to treat HIV infection.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nevirapine Tablets?

If you have an allergy to nevirapine or any other part of this medicine (nevirapine tablets).
If you are allergic to this medicine (nevirapine tablets); any part of this medicine (nevirapine tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have liver disease.
If you are not taking any other drugs to treat HIV. Do not use this medicine (nevirapine tablets) by itself to treat HIV.
If you are taking another drug that has the same drug in it.
If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this medicine (nevirapine tablets), like certain drugs that are used for hepatitis C, HIV, or infections. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this medicine (nevirapine tablets).
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (nevirapine tablets).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (nevirapine tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (nevirapine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nevirapine Tablets?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (nevirapine tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Do not run out of this medicine (nevirapine tablets).
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
This medicine is not a cure for HIV. Stay under the care of your doctor.
This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
This medicine may cause fertility problems. This may affect being able to have children. Talk with the doctor.
Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use some other kind of birth control also like a condom when taking this medicine (nevirapine tablets).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (nevirapine tablets) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Nevirapine Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (nevirapine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with or without food.
It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of this medicine (nevirapine tablets) during treatment.
Keep taking this medicine (nevirapine tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
If you miss 7 days of this medicine (nevirapine tablets), call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
Feeling tired or weak.
Flu-like signs.
Muscle or joint pain.
Swollen gland.
Change in body fat.
Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking drugs to treat HIV. If you have an infection that you did not know you had, it may show up when you take this medicine (nevirapine tablets). Tell your doctor right away if you have any new signs after you start this medicine (nevirapine tablets), even after taking it for several months. This includes signs of infection like fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, or shortness of breath.

What are some other side effects of Nevirapine Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nevirapine Tablets?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this medicine (nevirapine tablets) is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine (nevirapine tablets), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.