Key facts about Nevirapine
What dosages is Nevirapine available in?
Nevirapine is available as 200 mg tablets and a 50 mg/ 5 mL oral suspension.
What is Nevirapine used for?
Nevirapine is an NNRTI indicated for combination antiretroviral treatment of HIV-1 infection.
How does Nevirapine work?
Nevirapine is is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It blocks a protein in HIV called reverse transcriptase that usually helps the virus make copies of itself. By blocking this protein, it prevents the HIV virus from spreading.
How do I take Nevirapine?
Nevirapine is typically dosed as follows:
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 200 mg by mouth once daily for the first 2 weeks. Then, your provider will raise your dose to 200 mg twice daily.
- Children (age 15 days and older): Your child’s provider will determine their dose based on body surface area (BSA), which is your child’s body size calculated based on weight and height. The typical starting dose is 150 mg/m2 by mouth once daily for 2 weeks. After that, your child’s provider will raise the dose to 150 mg/m2 twice daily.
Is it safe for me to take Nevirapine?
Nevirapine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Patients with moderate or severe liver impairment
- Use as as part of a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen
Nevirapine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Nevirapine:
- Rash
- Nausea
Nevirapine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Nevirapine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe allergic reactions: fever, rash, general discomfort, muscle or joint pain, mouth sores, blisters, facial swelling
- Liver injury: nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Nevirapine
The following medications may interact with Nevirapine:
- Drugs that are metabolized by the CYP3A and 2B6 enzymes
Who makes Nevirapine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Nevirapine safe in pregnancy?
It is not known whether this medication is safe for you and your unborn baby during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
