Edurant (Rilpivirine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Edurant Used For?
Edurant is a medication that contains rilpivirine, which is used in combination with other HIV medicines to treat adults infected with HIV who have not received prior anti-HIV treatment.
Primary Uses
It is primarily used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
How It Works
Edurant works by reducing the amount of HIV in the body, which helps improve the immune system and lowers the risk of developing illnesses related to HIV.
Good to know: Edurant is not addictive.
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How to Take Edurant
It is important to take Edurant as prescribed by your doctor.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage is one tablet taken once daily with a meal. If you are taking rifabutin, take two tablets of Edurant once daily, and return to one tablet once rifabutin is stopped.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you remember within 12 hours of your usual dose, take it with a meal. If it's been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- depression
- sleep disorders
- decreased appetite
- tiredness
- changes in liver tests
- headache
- dizziness
- rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
- autoimmune disorders
Impulse Control Issues
There is a possibility of developing impulse control issues, including gambling or spending problems.
Important Warnings
There are specific warnings to consider before taking Edurant.
Who Should Not Take Edurant
Do not take Edurant if you are allergic to rilpivirine or any of its ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any liver problems, including hepatitis B and C, and symptoms of infection or inflammation with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Use caution if you are 65 years or older, as Edurant has only been studied in a limited number of elderly patients.
Drug Interactions
Edurant may interact with other medications, affecting how they work.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Edurant works.
- carbamazepine
- oxcarbazepine
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- rifampicin
- rifapentine
- omeprazole
- esomeprazole
- lansoprazole
- rabeprazole
- pantoprazole
- dexamethasone
- St John's wort
Alcohol & Driving
Edurant has minimal impact on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Edurant.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Edurant does not significantly impair driving ability.
Storage
Store Edurant tablets below 30°C in the original bottle, tightly closed to protect from light.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 POISON in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edurant begins to reduce HIV levels in the body shortly after starting treatment, but individual response may vary.
Yes, Edurant should be taken with a meal to ensure proper absorption.
No, Edurant is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Edurant without consulting your doctor, as it may increase the risk of the virus developing resistance.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Edurant.
Weight gain is not commonly reported as a side effect of Edurant.
Elderly patients should discuss the use of Edurant with their doctor due to limited studies in this age group.
If you miss a dose, take it with a meal if it's within 12 hours. If it's been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.