Nevirapine Viatris (Nevirapine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nevirapine Viatris Used For?
Nevirapine Viatris contains the active ingredient nevirapine and is used to treat HIV-1 infection, the main virus responsible for developing AIDS.
Primary Uses
Nevirapine Viatris is used to treat infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1). It is always used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines to effectively control HIV-1 growth.
How It Works
Nevirapine belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It works by blocking the enzyme reverse transcriptase that the HIV virus needs to multiply, which helps hinder the growth of HIV-1.
Good to know: While Nevirapine Viatris does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS, it effectively hinders the growth of HIV-1 when used with other antiretroviral medicines.
How to Take Nevirapine Viatris
It’s important to follow the dosing instructions carefully, especially during the first 14 days. Take your medicine at the same time each day for the best effect.
Dosage Instructions
Adults 16 years and older: First 14 days (lead-in period): Take one tablet once daily. After the first 14 days: Take one tablet twice daily at regular 12-hour intervals. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not crush or chew. Can be taken with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’ve missed taking Nevirapine Viatris for more than 7 days, contact your doctor before restarting – you may need to restart the 14-day once-daily dosing procedure.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well.
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:
- Mild to moderate rash on trunk, face, arms and/or legs
- Fever
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Muscle aches, tenderness or weakness
- Joint pain
- Changes in body fat distribution
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives)
- Severe skin reactions with fever, blisters, mouth sores, conjunctivitis, facial swelling
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools, right-sided stomach pain)
- Hypersensitivity reactions with multiple symptoms
- Anaphylaxis (sudden life-threatening allergic reaction)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to be aware of before taking Nevirapine Viatris, including serious skin and liver reactions.
Who Should Not Take Nevirapine Viatris
Do not take if you: have an allergy to nevirapine or any ingredients; have rare inherited conditions of galactose and fructose intolerance; use herbal medicines containing St John’s Wort; have or have had severe liver dysfunction or serious liver/skin reactions while on any nevirapine treatment; if the medicine has expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you: are allergic to other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives; have or have had hepatitis, liver problems or liver disease; are having or have had severe kidney disease requiring dialysis treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant – special care is recommended during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Nevirapine Viatris because the medicine enters breast milk and there’s a risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.
Serious Skin Reactions: Contact your doctor immediately if rash is accompanied by fever, blisters, mouth sores, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, muscle or joint aches, or swollen lymph glands – these may be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Nevirapine Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Birth Control Warning: Nevirapine Viatris may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives – discuss alternative contraception methods with your doctor.
- Other anti-HIV medicines
- Anti-Hepatitis B & C medicines
- Cimetidine (for reflux and ulcers)
- Clarithromycin (antibiotic)
- Fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole (antifungal medicines)
- Methadone (for opioid dependence)
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Corticosteroids (prednisone, cortisone)
- Rifampicin or rifabutin (for tuberculosis)
- St John’s Wort herbal medicines
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Medicines for allergies, infections, cancer, depression, epilepsy, heart conditions, pain
Alcohol & Driving
Nevirapine Viatris may cause sleepiness or drowsiness in some people, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information. However, discuss alcohol use with your doctor as it may affect your overall treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use machines until you know how Nevirapine Viatris affects you. If you experience sleepiness or drowsiness, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Storage
Store Nevirapine Viatris below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in the original bottle until it’s time to take them. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Nevirapine Viatris, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include swelling, fatigue, fever, headache, insomnia, lung problems, rash, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, or red-purple swellings on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nevirapine Viatris begins working to hinder HIV-1 growth once you start taking it, but it must be used continuously in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. Your doctor will monitor your progress regularly to assess how well the treatment is working.
Yes, you can take Nevirapine Viatris with or without food. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after eating.
Do not stop taking Nevirapine Viatris or change the dosage without first checking with your doctor. This medicine helps control your HIV-1 infection but does not cure it, so it’s important to keep taking it even if you feel well.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose. If you’ve missed doses for more than 7 days, contact your doctor before restarting.
The first 14 days is called a ‘lead-in’ period where you take one tablet once daily. This helps your body adjust to the medicine and reduces the risk of side effects, particularly skin reactions. After 14 days, you increase to twice daily dosing.
Nevirapine Viatris may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). You should discuss alternative or additional contraception methods with your doctor.
Contact your doctor if you experience any rash. Contact your doctor immediately if the rash is accompanied by fever, blisters, mouth sores, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, muscle or joint aches, or swollen lymph glands, as these may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
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.