What is Viramune?
Viramune, an antiviral medication, prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body.Viramune treats HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome( AIDS). Viramune is not a cure or prevention for HIV/AIDS.
Viramune liquid oral solution is suitable for adults and children up to 15 days of age. The extended-release tablets of this medicine are intended for adults and children older than 6 years.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Viramune.
Side effects of Viramune
If you experience any of the following symptoms: joint or muscular pain, fevers, sores on your mouth, facial swellings, blistering rash, flu-like symptoms, swollen or enlarged glands, weakness or fatigue, severe tingling, numbness or pain when you urinate or pee, swelling or pain in your feet or legs, coughs, chest pains, difficulty breathing or swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention.
Viramune may cause serious liver problems, particularly in women. If you experience any of these symptoms of liver damage while taking this medication, call your doctor immediately: nausea; loss of appetite; upper stomach pain; tiredness or fever.
Viramune can also cause severe and life-threatening reactions to the skin. If you experience: a fever; a sore tongue; swelling of your face or lips; eye pain or burning; or a reddish or purple rash with blistering or peeling, stop taking Viramune immediately and seek emergency medical attention. This is a medical crisis.
Viramune can increase your risk of certain infections and autoimmune diseases by altering the way your immune system works. This medicine may cause symptoms to appear weeks or even months after treatment. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs of a new infection: fever, sweating at night, swollen glands, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, stomach pains, and weight loss
- Chest pain (especially while breathing), dry cough, wheezing, and feeling short of breath
- Cold sores are sores in the genital area or anal region.
- Feeling irritable or anxious, feeling weak or prickly, or having problems with balance or eye movements;
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, or loss of bladder and bowel control, then this is a problem.
- Impotence and loss of interest in sexual activity are all signs that you may be experiencing swelling or discomfort in your neck (enlarged thyroid).
Viramune can cause the following side effects:
- Skin rash
- Changes in the shape or location (especially of your arms, legs, and breasts), as well as changes in your body fat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
During the first month of taking Viramune, you will need to have your blood tested frequently.Viramune may cause serious or fatal liver problems. Call your doctor immediately if you experience: nausea or vomiting, stomach pains, fatigue, fever, unexplained pain in the muscles or weakness, dark-coloured urine, clay-coloured stool, or jaundice.
Viramune can also cause serious or even life-threatening reactions on the skin. Do not take this medicine if you experience: fever, swelling of the face or tongue, severe skin pain, or a rash with blistering or peeling.
Before you take this drug
Viramune should not be used if you are hypersensitive to it or have a moderate-to-severe liver condition.
Viramune can cause interactions with other medicines. They should not be taken together. If you take any of these drugs, your doctor may have to alter your treatment plan.
- Atazanavir;
- Delavirdine;
- Etravirine;
- Itraconazole;
- Ketoconazole;
- Rifampin;
- Rilpivirine;
- St.
- Telaprevir.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Viramune will be safe for you:
- Skin problems
- Liver disease (or a history of cirrhosis or hepatitis)
- If you have kidney disease or are currently on dialysis,
- If you've ever tried delavirdine or efavirenz but they didn't work to treat your condition,
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Viramune is more likely to cause liver problems in pregnant women.Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not receive the proper treatment during pregnancy. To control your HIV infection, take all your HIV medications as prescribed.You may find your name on a registry if you are pregnant. It is used to monitor the pregnancy's outcome and evaluate the effects of nevirapine.
Viramune may make birth-control pills ineffective. Ask your doctor if you can use a non-hormonal contraceptive to prevent pregnancy (condoms, diaphragms with spermicide).Breast-feeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take Viramune?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Use this medication at the recommended dose and not more or less than that. You can reduce the risk of allergic reactions by starting with a small dose.Follow your doctor's instructions regarding how often you should take the medicine.Viramune should be taken in conjunction with other antiviral medicines and not alone.Viramune is taken with or without food.Don't chew or crush a tablet. Swallow the entire tablet.
Just before measuring a dose, shake the liquid oral suspension. Use the provided dosing syringe or a dose-measuring cup or spoon to measure liquid medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have a device for measuring doses.You will need to have frequent blood tests while using Viramune (especially in the first 18 weeks).Viramune is best used regularly. Refill your prescription before you run out.At the first sign, call your doctor immediately.
HIV/AIDS can be treated with a combination of drugs. Follow your doctor's instructions for all medications. Each medication comes with a patient instruction guide or medication guide. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor. All people with HIV/AIDS should be under the care and supervision of a physician.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
Call your doctor if you haven't taken Viramune in 7 days. You may be required to start at a lower dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause liver damage.
This medication does not stop you from spreading HIV to others. Share razors and toothbrushes. Do not engage in unprotected sexual activity. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy people should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.
Interaction with other drug
Viramune can be affected by many drugs. This list does not include all possible interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current medicines.
- Antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- Birth control pills or hormone therapy
- A blood thinner ( Warfarin and others);
- Ergot medicine (dihydroergotamine and ergonovine)
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Medicine to prevent organ rejection;
- Seizure medication.
Viramune can interact with many drugs not listed here. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. List all of your medications with any healthcare professional who treats you.
