Uses of Nevirapine

Nevirapine is used to stop the activity of the enzymes that lead to the multiplication and spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the body in combination with other anti retroviral medicines in adults, adolescents, and children.

Therapeutic Category

Nevirapine: Anti retroviral drugs

How Nevirapine works

Nevirapine helps control Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection by stopping reverse transcriptase (an enzyme needed by HIV in order to multiply) from working.

Common side effects of Nevirapine

• skin rash
• decreased numbers of white blood cells which makes you more prone to infection
• headache, fatigue (feeling tired)
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea
• signs of inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) like jaundice, nausea, dark urine, light coloured stools, abdominal pain
• fever

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience symptoms of infection
• If you experience muscle weakness, weakness beginning in the hands and feet and moving upwards the trunk of the body, throbbing sensation, shakiness or hyperactivity
• If you experience changes in body fat
• If you experience osteonecrosis (a bone disorder causing joint stiffness, aches and pains especially of the hip, knee and shoulder, and difficulty in movement)
• If you experience rash that appears as blistering skin reaction, which can be severe or life-threatening (Ex. toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• If you experience symptoms of severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction like rash, swelling of face, breathing difficulty, anaphylactic shock, fever, skin blisters, mouth sores, eye inflammation, muscle or joint pain, feeling unwell, liver or kidney failure
• If you experience liver damage (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin, abdominal pain)

Health Tips for Nevirapine

• Take Nevirapine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not miss doses and take them at the recommended times. Consistency is crucial for the medication's effectiveness
• Nevirapine is usually taken with a meal to reduce the risk of certain side effects. Taking it with food can also help improve its absorption
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Proper hydration can help support your immune system and maintain overall health
• Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, get enough sleep, and manage stress. These factors can contribute to your overall well-being and support the effectiveness of your HIV treatment
• If you're of childbearing age and sexually active, discuss contraception options with your healthcare provider. Nevirapine can interact with hormonal birth control methods
• Even though antiretroviral medications like Nevirapine can reduce viral load and lower the risk of transmitting HIV, it's still important to practice safe sex to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
• Avoid Alcohol and Recreational Drugs: Nevirapine can interact with alcohol and certain drugs, potentially affecting its effectiveness or causing adverse effects. It's best to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while taking this medication