Product Details: Viramune (Nevirapine)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It must be used in combination with other proven anti-HIV medicines. If this medicine is taken alone to treat HIV infection, it may stop working. Contact your doctor for more information. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule closely. This medicine comes with a medication guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once. If you stop taking this medicine for more than seven days, contact your doctor before you begin taking it again.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. FOLLOW YOUR TREATMENT PLAN CLOSELY. Because HIV can quickly become resistant to this medicine when used alone, this medicine must be used with at least 1 other anti-HIV medicine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if this medicine stops working well. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and may increase the risks of side effects. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests and CD4 counts, may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. It is important to be monitored frequently by your doctor while you are taking this medicine. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SPREADING HIV through your blood or through sexual contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT PREVENT OTHER INFECTIONS. If your health changes, check with your doctor. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop a rash; fever; blistering or peeling skin; mouth sores; redness, irritation, or discharge of the eye; sore throat or fever; unusual fatigue or tiredness; swelling (including swelling of the face); muscle or joint aches or discomfort; abdominal or stomach pain; nausea; loss of appetite; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; change in the amount of urine; or pale or clay-colored stools. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Nevirapine