Nevirapine

Nevirapine should be avoided if you are allergic to it. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment or used as an occupational or non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis. This medicine should only be prescribed in patients with CD4+ greater than 250 cells/mm3 (females) and 400 cells/mm3 (males). Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medicines you take to prevent possible interactions. Nevirapine is known you cause fatal or non-fatal hepatotoxicity and skin disorders. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the first 18 weeks of the treatment initiation. If the patient develops any signs or symptoms of hepatitis, increased transaminase, rash, or hypersensitivity reactions, Nevirapine should be discontinued immediately. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence, avoid driving or operating machines while taking Nevirapine. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney diseases, hypersensitivity reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, cirrhosis, or hepatic fibrosis. If pregnant and breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Nevirapine. Nevirapine should be used in children only if recommended by the doctor. If prescribed, the child should be carefully monitored for any changes. Nevirapine treats the infection but does not cure or prevent it.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Nevirapine may interact with contraceptives (ethyl estradiol, norethindrone), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), anti-cancer medicine (cyclophosphamide), Antiarrhythmic drugs (Amiodarone, disopyramide), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, clonazepam), antifungals (itraconazole), antiviral medicine (ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir).

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have moderate to severe hepatic impairment, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, cirrhosis, hepatic fibrosis, and other skin disorders before starting treatment with Nevirapine.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Try to take lean protein and whole grains.
• Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
• Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
• Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
• Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.  
• Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
• Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.

• Get an HIV test done at least every three months.
• Nevirapine may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking Nevirapine should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.
• Regular liver function and CBC tests while taking Nevirapine are advised.