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Introduction About NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION contains Nevirapine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiretroviral drugs. It indicated for the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in combination with other anti-retroviral medicines in adults, adolescents and children.
HIV is a virus which severely damages the immune system and leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which is characterized by fever, chills, rash, night sweat, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue. During management, your doctor will advise you to take certain blood tests to monitor your liver function.
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION is not recommended for use in patients having inflammation of liver (hepatitis) or severe liver damage. Before taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION, inform your doctor if you are undergoing kidney dialysis or have any heart disease. NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION should be used with caution in pregnant woman and is not intended for use in breastfeeding women.
Your doctor will prescribe the right dose of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION for your child depending on their age, body weight and body surface area. The most common side effects of taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION are skin rash, headache, fatigue (feeling tired), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, etc.
Uses Of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION
- Used in adults, adolescents and children to manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in combination with other anti-retroviral medicines
How NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION Works
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION helps control HIV-1 infection by stopping reverse transcriptase (an enzyme needed by HIV in order to multiply) from working.
How to use NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION
Take NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION as advised by your physician. Shake well before use. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects Of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION
Common
- skin rash
- decreased numbers of white blood cells which makes you more prone to infection
- headache, fatigue (feeling tired)
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea
- signs of inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) like jaundice, nausea, dark urine, light coloured stools, abdominal pain
- fever
Uncommon
- angioedema (fluid retention under the skin), hives
- anaemia (decreased red blood cells count)
- joint or muscle pain
- high blood pressure
Rare
- signs of sudden and intense inflammation of the liver or fulminant hepatitis like swollen belly, upper right abdomen pain, vomiting, etc
- drug reaction with systemic symptoms (drug reaction with increased eosinophil count or eosinophilia)
Stop taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- symptoms of infection
- muscle weakness, weakness beginning in the hands and feet and moving upwards the trunk of the body, throbbing sensation, shakiness or hyperactivity
- changes in body fat
- osteonecrosis (a bone disorder causing joint stiffness, aches and pains especially of the hip, knee and shoulder and difficulty in movement)
- rash that appears as blistering skin reaction, which can be severe or life-threatening (Ex. toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- symptoms of severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction like rash, swelling of face, breathing difficulty, anaphylactic shock, fever, skin blisters, mouth sores, eye inflammation, muscle or joint pain, feeling unwell, liver or kidney failure
- liver damage (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin, abdominal pain)
How To Manage Side Effects
Diarrhoea:
To avoid dehydration in your body, drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices or electrolytes. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Muscle pain:
Rest and elevate the painful area. Place ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat to improve blood flow. Taking a warm shower may help in relaxation. Take pain killer medicines after consulting your doctor. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Nausea or vomiting:
Take NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Headache:
Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Try to take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee. Massage the scalp or head with mild pressure. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Skin rash:
Try to avoid hot showers because it may cause skin irritation. Avoid frequent contact and rubbing over the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION should be used with caution in woman who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women should use effective contraception methods during management with NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as your baby may become infected with HIV through breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel extremely tired after taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION.

Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION as it may increase the risk of bone problems.

Kidney
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION should be taken with caution in patients undergoing kidney dialysis. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION should be used with caution in patients having inflammation of liver (hepatitis B or C) or abnormal liver function tests. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy
Do not take NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION if you are allergic to Nevirapine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION should be taken with caution in patients having heart disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION is not recommended for use if you:
- have previously discontinued management with nevirapine due to severe skin rashes or liver problems
Use in Pediatrics:
Your doctor will prescribe the right dose of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION for your child depending on their age, body weight and body surface area. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Use in Geriatrics:
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 65 years). Consult your doctor before taking it.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- St. John’s Wort (herbal medicine used for depression)
- rifampicin, rifabutin (used to manage tuberculosis)
- clarithromycin (used to manage bacterial infections)
- fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole (medicines used to manage fungal infections)
- methadone (medicine used in management of opiate addicts)
- warfarin (used to reduce clotting of blood)
- medicines used to manage pregnancy (Ex. ethinyl estradiol, progestin)
- atazanavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, fosamprenavir, efavirenz, etravirine, zidovudine, elvitegravir, cobicistat, rilpivirine (other medicines used to manage HIV-infection)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION overdose include swelling, redness, tiredness, fever, headache, sleep problems, nausea, rash, spinning sensation, vomiting and weight loss.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Nevirapine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) |
Therapeutic Indication | : | HIV infection |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Oral suspension, Suspension |
More Information
- Keep NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION
Can I stop taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION if I feel better?
Do not stop taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION unless your doctor advises you to stop. Taking all doses at the appropriate times increases the effectiveness of your medicine and reduces the chances of you developing resistance to your antiretroviral medicine. If you stop taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION for more than 7 days, your doctor will advise you to start the 14 day 'lead-in' period once again, before returning to the usual dose.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION?
If you forget a dose of NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION, take it as soon as you remember. If you notice that you have missed a dose within 8 hours of when it was due, take it as soon as possible. If it has been more than 8 hours since the dose was due, then take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION two times to make up for the forgotten dose.
Does NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION manage HIV infection?
NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION does not completely manage HIV infection; it reduces the amount of virus in your body and keeps a check at it. Therefore, you may continue to develop infections and other illnesses associated with HIV infection and thus, you should remain in regular contact with your doctor.
Can I get other infections while on management with NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION?
In some patients with AIDS and a history of opportunistic infection, signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION management is started. It is assumed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body’s immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of infection while taking NEVIMUNE ORAL SUSPENSION, please inform your doctor immediately.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Antiretroviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page –864.
2. J-J Parienti , R Verdon. Nevirapine and cardiovascular risk. National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PubMed.gov. September 2010. [Accessed on 9th December 2022]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20434285/
3. Nabila Rehman. Nevirapine. Stat Pearls. October 2022. [Accessed on 9th December 2022]. https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/25853
4. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2022] [Accessed on 9th December 2022].https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7063.pdf
5. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Viramune (Nevirapine). [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed 9th December 2022]. https://content.boehringer-ingelheim.com/DAM/4e167be8-c829-4ca6-ba08-af1e01215de4/viramune-us-pi.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Antibody test
- Complete blood count