Nevirapine Tablets 200 mg Tablet

Who is this for?

Nevirapine is an antiretroviral (anti-HIV) drug that works by blocking an enzyme the HIV virus needs to multiply in your body, helping to reduce the amount of virus in your blood and keep your immune system stronger.

Binds directly to HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme and inhibits its catalytic activity, preventing conversion of viral RNA to DNA and blocking viral replication in CD4+ T cells.

Is Nevirapine safe to take with another drug?

For adults, take one 200 mg tablet once daily for the first 14 days (this is called the lead-in period to reduce the chance of rash). After 14 days, increase to one 200 mg tablet twice daily — morning and evening. You can take it with or without food. Do not skip the lead-in period or increase the dose early.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for it. If you are still in the first 14 days of treatment and you miss several doses, talk to your doctor before continuing.

• Skin rash (especially in the first few weeks)
• headache
• nausea or stomach upset
• tiredness
• diarrhoea

Nevirapine can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and injections — use condoms as a backup. It interacts with rifampicin (commonly used for TB treatment in Nigeria), so your doctor may need to adjust doses. Avoid taking with St. John's Wort herbal supplements as it can make nevirapine less effective.

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep in a cool, dry place — avoid storing in the bathroom or kitchen where there is moisture. Always keep out of the reach of children.