Viramune (Nevirapine) is a prescription medication used to control HIV infection. HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) can spread through contact with infected blood, and without treatment, it develops into AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Viramune is used with other HIV medications to control the infection. Viramune decreases the amount of HIV in the body, improving the immune system and reducing the risk of developing HIV complications like cancer and new infections. The active ingredient in Viramune is Nevirapine. Nevirapine belongs to a class of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It works by binding to the HIV enzyme to block the virus from replicating. Viramune is not a cure for HIV.

Manufacturer Information

Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Viramune. The most common side effects of Viramune may include the following:
• Changes in shape or location of body fat;
• Diarrhea;
• Nausea;
• Skin rash;
• Tiredness;
• Vomiting

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, including:
• Balance problems;
• Chest pain;
• Cold sores;
• Dry cough;
• Enlarged thyroid;
• Loss of bladder or bowel control;
• Menstrual changes;
• Rapid heart rate;
• Shortness of breath;
• Speaking or swallowing difficulties

These are not all of the side effects of Nevirapine. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Viramune if you are allergic to Nevirapine or any ingredient in Viramune. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have lactose or galactose intolerance;
• Have liver disease;
• Have skin problems;
• Have taken delavirdine or efavirenz, but they were not effective in treating your condition;
• Have used Viramune but stopped due to allergic reactions or reduced liver function

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Viramune and other medicines, including St. John’s wort, rifampicin, ketoconazole, atazanavir, rilpivirine, telaprevir, and etravirine. Viramune tablets are safe for use in children older than 16 years. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. It is not known if Nevirapine will harm an unborn baby. The drug is likely to cause liver damage in a pregnant woman. HIV can also be passed to an unborn baby without proper treatment. Viramune can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. The virus may be passed to a nursing infant through breast milk even if the baby is born without HIV. Take Viramune and all medicines as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is used in combination with other antiviral medications. Nevirapine does not cure HIV or prevent its spread to others. You can take Viramune with or without food. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. Swallow whole. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, except it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the forgotten dose. Store Viramune tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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