Common use

Viramune is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body. Viramune is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Dosage and direction

Viramune is usually taken only once daily for the first 2 weeks, and then increased to twice daily. Starting with a low dose can reduce your risk of skin reactions. Follow your doctor's instructions about how often to take the medication.
If you stop taking Viramune for longer than 7 days, call your doctor before you start taking the medicine again. You may have to start with a lower dose.
Take Viramune with a full glass of water. You may also take the medicine with milk or a soft drink. Viramune can be taken with or without food.

Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Viramune, or if you have moderate to severe liver disease.
Do not take Viramune as your only HIV medication. HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. Avoid drinking alcohol. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing razors or toothbrushes.

Contraindications

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests: liver disease; kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or if you have ever taken delavirdine (Rescriptor) or efavirenz (Sustiva) and they were not effective in treating your condition.
Viramune is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, Viramune may be more likely to cause liver damage in a pregnant woman.

Possible side effect

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms while taking Viramune: skin rash, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Stop taking Viramune and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or any other signs of new infection.
Less serious side effects may include: mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; headache, tired feeling; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Drug interaction

Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Overdose symptoms may include skin rash, headache, dizziness, tired feeling, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, joint pain or swelling, red or tender bumps on your shins, wheezing, cough, or trouble breathing.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.