An NNRTI - It is used with other medicines to treat HIV
FDA Alerts
Severe, life-threatening (and in some cases fatal) hepatotoxicity reported, particularly during first 18 weeks of therapy. Patients have presented with nonspecific prodromal signs and symptoms of hepatitis and progressed to hepatic failure; these events often associated with rash. Patients with higher CD4+ T-cell counts and women are at increased risk of these hepatic events. Women with CD4+ T-cell counts >250 cells/mm3 (including pregnant women receiving long-term treatment for HIV infection) are at greatest risk, but hepatotoxicity can occur in both genders, all CD4+ T-cell counts, and at any time during treatment Patients with signs or symptoms of hepatitis or with increased serum transaminase concentrations in conjunction with rash or other systemic symptoms must discontinue nelfinavir and seek immediate medical evaluation.
Severe, life-threatening skin reaction, including fatal cases, reported. Reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and hypersensitivity reactions characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and organ dysfunction. Patients with signs or symptoms of severe skin reactions or hypersensitivity must discontinue nelfinavir and seek immediate medical evaluation.
Essential that patients are monitored intensively during the first 18 weeks of nevirapine therapy to detect potential life-threatening hepatotoxicity or skin reactions. Extra vigilance needed during first 6 weeks since this is period of greatest risk.
Hepatic injury has progressed despite discontinuation of nevirapine in some patients.
Do not restart nevirapine following severe hepatic, skin, or hypersensitivity reactions.
Strictly follow the recommendations regarding use of a low initial nevirapine dosage (200 mg once daily for the first 14 days).
NEVIRAPINE (ne VYE ra peen) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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