Viramune (Nevirapine)

Description

Nevirapine, also commonly known as viramune, is a drug used to treat individuals with HIV. This medication is also used amongst individuals with severe liver conditions. It is important to note that viramune is a not cure for HIV, but rather only a prevention method.

 

 

 

How it works

 

The medication works by lowering the level of HIV virus in your body. The medication reduces the influence of this virus over your body and thereby enhances the effectiveness of the immune system. This enhanced immune system combats possible consequences of HIV such as cancer and other infections.

 

Its uses

 

This medication’s main use is its ability to treat HIV. It is used amongst many other medications and thus will only benefit when taken along with other drugs. Although this medication might not cure HIV, it can reduce the severity of the condition to a great extent. Moreover, this medication is also used to treat a number of liver problems too.

 

Dosage

 

This medication is taken by mouth. During the first 14 days of the treatment, you have to take the medication once a day. After that, you will have to increase your dosage depending on your response to the treatment. Do not increase the dosage without consulting your physician since it can lead to liver problems and severe skin reactions.

 

If you are using this medication in liquid form, make sure to measure the dosage very carefully. Use a measure spoon since using a regular spoon can increase the chance of overdosing. Remember that this medication is only useful when it is maintained in a constant amount in the body. Therefore, do not increase or decrease your dosage without your physician’s knowledge.

 

Side effects

 

You might or might not experience the following symptoms during the treatment procedure.

 

 Swelling in the face
 Eye irritation
 Persistent sore throat
 Diarrhea
 Unusual tiredness
 Pale stool
 Blistered skin
 Loss of appetite

 

If you do experience any of the above, make sure to contact your physician for immediate medical assistance.

 

Precautions

 

Adhering to the following precautions will enable you to stay safe during the treatment period.

 

 Do not give this medication to children since they might be sensitive to its effects

 

 Take regular tests to check your liver function and ensure that it is in a healthy condition

 

 Use a birth control method apart from birth control pills since they do not work when using this medication

 

 Keep your storage well stocked since you must take your dosage at the right amount at the right time

 

 Do not increase your dosage to accelerate the effectiveness of the medication. This will only increase the risk of side effects

 

 Do not consume alcohol since it can further contribute towards liver damage

 

Self-care

 

This medication is absolutely harmful for an unborn baby. If you are using this medication and become unexpectedly pregnant, make sure to contact your physician immediately. This applies to breastfeeding as well since the effects of the medication can be passed on to the baby through breast milk.

 

It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not a cure for HIV. Thus, individuals without the infection must take proper precautionary methods to keep themselves safe since there is the possibility of infection by the virus.