What is Viramune used for?
Viramune (active ingredient nevirapine) is an antiviral medication that prevents HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from multiplying in your body.
Viramune is prescribed as a treatment for HIV. HIV is the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Viramune does not cure HIV or AIDS and is not an effective tool to prevent HIV from occurring.
Viramune oral solution is prescribed to adults and children older than 15 years old. It also comes in an extended-release tablet which can be prescribed to adults and children as young as 6.
Viramune may be utilized for purposes not presented here. Talk to your doctor if you have queries about that.
Viramune Information
How to Use Viramune?
Read and follow the directions provided on your prescription label exactly. Your physician may adjust your dose occasionally to give you the best results with the least side effects. Do not use Viramune in any way other than your doctor has instructed. If your doctor starts you on a low dose it can reduce the likelihood of skin reactions.
Carefully follow the instructions your doctor has given you about how to take Viramune.
Viramune should not be used alone and is usually prescribed in combination with other antiviral medications.
You can take Viramune with or without food.
Never crush, chew, split, or otherwise break the Viramune extended-release tablets; they must always be swallowed whole. Splitting the tablets can affect how the medication is absorbed by your system.
If you are taking the Viramune oral suspension, shake it well before measuring a dose. Only use a dosing syringe or dose-measuring spoon/measuring cup to measure your doses. Your pharmacist can provide a dose-measuring device if you don’t already have one.
While you are taking Viramune you will require frequent blood tests, especially during the first 18 weeks of your treatment plan.
To get the greatest benefit from Viramune you should use it on a regular basis. Ensure you get your prescription refilled before completely running out of medication.
Call your doctor immediately at the first sign of a skin rash, no matter how mild it is.
HIV/AIDS is generally treated with a combination of medications. Use all of the medications that are part of your treatment plan as directed by your doctor. Do not change anything about how you take your medications including the dosage and frequency of use without discussing with your doctor. Anybody with HIV/AIDS should remain under a doctor’s care.
Viramune Drug Interactions
Drug interactions occur when two medications you are taking interact in a way such that they cause an increase in side effects, or it changes how the medications function in your body.
Viramune interacts with the following drugs:
This is not a complete list of the medications that interact with Viramune. You should always keep your doctor up-to-date with all of the medications you are taking including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you’re using. This will help them avoid prescribing drugs that interact. If you have any further questions about drug interactions you can reach out to our pharmacists for counselling at 1-844-416-4282.
What are side effects of Viramune?
As well as the required effects of Viramune, nevirapine (the active ingredient) can cause undesirable side effects. You are not likely to experience all of these side effects, however some, if they occur, require emergency medical attention.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
Less common
- Decreased appetite
- Swelling of the feet or lower legs
Rare
- Pain, numbness, or tingling of the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- Stomach pain
- Tingling, burning, or prickly sensations
Incidence not known
- Black, tarry stools
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- Bone pain
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Clay-colored stools
- Cough
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- General tiredness and weakness
- Headache
- Hives, itching, skin rash
- Joint or muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lower back or side pain
- Muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness
- Nausea
- Painful or difficult urination
- Pale skin
- Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- Red, irritated eyes
- Seizures
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain, continuing
- Swollen glands
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble breathing
- Troubled breathing with exertion
- Unpleasant breath odor
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Vomiting of blood
- Yellow eyes and skin
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience any of the following while on Viramune:
Symptoms of overdose
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Decrease in weight
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- Headache
- Pain in the ankles or knees
- Sensation of spinning
- Trouble sleeping
There are some side effects of Viramune that occur that don’t usually require medical attention. These side effects will commonly go away with time as your body adjusts to the medication. Your physician may also be able to help you avoid these side effects.
If the following Viramune side effects persist or get worse, reach out to your doctor:
Less common
- Difficulty with moving
- Pain in the joints
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you encounter side effects not listed here contact your doctor immediately.