Nevimune

Nevimune (Nevirapine) is combined with different antiretroviral drugs to suppress the HIV virus and prevent it from further infecting immune system cells in the body. Use on its own is not recommended, due to the fact that the virus can become rapidly resistant to treatment if monotherapy is used. This medicine is classified as an NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) and its mechanism of action involves blocking the activity of the reverse transcriptase (RT) viral enzyme. It achieves this by binding to a part of the enzyme called the NNRTI pocket. This direct attachment to RT interferes with the enzyme`s ability to replicate viral DNA material, thereby slowing down the spread of the virus.

Treatment of HIV infections is vital for the health of the patient, because in the absence of a medical intervention, the development of AIDS will occur. This is because the HIV virus will attack the CD4 T-cells (types of white blood cells which the immune system needs in order to guard your body against invaders and infections). Eventually, more and more of these cells will be destroyed by the virus, leaving the patient weak and vulnerable. The occurrence of opportunistic infections is all too common as a result of a drastically weakened immune system.

However, by blocking the virus from spreading and recreating inside the body, antiretroviral treatment with this drug (and other medicines) helps to keep the level of the virus in the blood as low as possible, thereby minimizing the chances of developing AIDS. Many medical studies have been carried out with on this medicine, to examine which other medicines it should be combined with in order to achieve the maximum efficacy. Other studies examines its effects on HIV patients, including virologic responder rates.

Nevimune (Nevirapine) uncoated tablets each contain 200mg of the active ingredient and are intended for oral administration. A lead in dose is needed in all patients, as research showed that this can reduce the occurrence of skin rashes. Your physician will most likely instruct you to administer 200mg (equal to a single tablet) per day for 14 days (this is the lead in period). Following this, the physician will direct you to take 400mg (2 tablets) per day. Other antiretroviral agents will also be recommended by your physician, however the specific ones required will differ based on individual circumstances. Your physician will decide for you which ones you need to take.

Management and treatment of HIV-1 infections with Nevimune (Nevirapine) may cause:

• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Stiff muscles
• Tired feeling
• Redistribution of body fat

Visit your physician regularly and report all side effects. Reactions which are severe (and possibly life threatening) include skin blistering, a purple rash, fever, inflammation of the limbs and severe abdominal pain. You will need to get medical assistance immediately if any of these severe reactions occur. There are also other serious side effects that are not referenced in this paragraph which will require medical care straight away.

Nevimune (Nevirapine) will not work for a HIV-2 infection. It is also contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment. Your physician will assess the risks and benefits of treatment when deciding whether or not treatment with this medicine is appropriate for you.

Your physician may also need to take other factors into consideration, such as the CD4+ cell count, as treatment may be unsafe in certain patients depending on this.