General Info:

Nevirapine (Viramune) is used, with other medicines, in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Nevirapine (Viramune) will not cure HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Nevirapine (Viramune) will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.

Patients taking Nevirapine (Viramune) may develop severe liver disease or severe skin reactions that could cause serious side effects. Your doctor will want to check you and do liver function tests in the first 18 weeks of therapy. The risk of serious reactions is greatest during the first 18 weeks of treament. Checks for liver problems should continue regularly during your therapy. Patients with higher liver function tests and patients with hepatitis B or C have a greater chance of liver damage while taking Nevirapine (Viramune). Women and patients with higher CD4 counts (blood counts) seem to have a greater chance of developing liver damage, often accompanied by a rash, while taking Nevirapine (Viramune).