Viramune Oral

In Depth

Generic Name: NEVIRAPINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (neh-VYE-ruh-peen)

Viramune Oral Warning

Rarely, nevirapine has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of liver problems (e.g., persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin).

In some patients, nevirapine has caused a serious (sometimes fatal) allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: rash, itching, many sores in the mouth and throat, swelling (especially of the face), peeling skin, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

If you have stopped taking nevirapine because of liver problems or an allergic reaction, you must never take any form of nevirapine again. Notify all of your doctors and pharmacists if you have ever stopped taking nevirapine because of these types of reactions. Read the Medication Guide provided with this medication for more details.

To help decrease the risk of these severe reactions, nevirapine is started at a lower dose for the first 14 days. Also, nevirapine will usually only be started if your T-cell count is less than 250 cells if you are a woman, or less than 400 cells if you are a man.

It is essential that you keep all medical appointments and have all laboratory tests ordered by your doctor. These visits will be more frequent during the first 18 weeks of treatment with nevirapine.

Viramune Oral Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or sleepiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: