nevirapine anhydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).
Usual role
Combination treatment for HIV-1 infection.
Food
The prolonged-release tablet may be taken with or without food.
Tablet administration
Swallow with liquid; do not divide, crush or chew.
What is nevirapine anhydrate used for?
UK-licensed use represented by the selected prolonged-release product:
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral medicines in adults, adolescents and children aged 3 years and over who can swallow tablets.
How does nevirapine anhydrate work?
Nevirapine binds to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase at a site separate from the enzyme’s active site. This changes the enzyme’s shape and blocks production of viral DNA, reducing HIV replication. It does not work adequately alone because resistance can develop rapidly.
nevirapine anhydrate preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 400 mg
How to take nevirapine anhydrate
Take nevirapine exactly as prescribed as part of the complete antiretroviral combination. Swallow prolonged-release tablets whole with liquid; they may be taken with or without food.
Do not break, crush or chew prolonged-release tablets.
A tablet-like remnant may occasionally appear in the stool; available evidence does not suggest this reduces treatment response.
Do not stop or change nevirapine without speaking to the HIV team, because interruption can affect viral control and how treatment must be restarted.
nevirapine anhydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Rash
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Tiredness
- Abnormal liver blood-test results
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe blistering or peeling rash, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Rash with fever, swollen glands, facial swelling, muscle or joint pain, or internal-organ involvement
- Hepatitis or liver failure, which may cause jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, appetite loss or liver-area pain
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling or breathing difficulty
nevirapine anhydrate in pregnancy
Available pregnancy data cited in the SmPC have not identified malformation or fetal/newborn toxicity, but controlled evidence is limited and nevirapine requires careful specialist assessment because liver toxicity risk can depend on clinical factors. Do not stop effective HIV treatment if pregnant or planning pregnancy; contact the HIV and maternity teams promptly so treatment and monitoring can be reviewed.
nevirapine anhydrate while breastfeeding
Nevirapine enters breast milk, and HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding. In the UK, formula feeding is considered the safest option, but a person with sustained viral suppression who wishes to breastfeed should be supported through advance planning and close monitoring by the specialist HIV and perinatal team.
nevirapine anhydrate interactions
Nevirapine induces liver enzymes and can reduce the concentrations and effectiveness of many medicines. The HIV team or specialist pharmacist should check all prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products.
St John’s wort
Must not be combined because it can lower nevirapine exposure and risk loss of viral control.
Rifampicin
Substantially lowers nevirapine exposure, so concurrent use is not recommended.
Ketoconazole and itraconazole
Nevirapine can markedly reduce antifungal exposure; ketoconazole co-administration is not recommended and itraconazole requires specialist review.
Common questions about nevirapine anhydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can nevirapine be taken with food?
Yes. The prolonged-release tablet may be taken with or without food.
Can nevirapine prolonged-release tablets be crushed or split?
No. They must be swallowed whole with liquid so that their prolonged-release properties are preserved.
Why must nevirapine be taken with other HIV medicines?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.