Nevirapine Medications

Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV-1 infection by inhibiting viral replication.

Viramune

Nevirapine

$3.60 per pill

200mg

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Nevirapine Information

Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that forms a core component of combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection. By binding to a specific pocket of the viral reverse-transcriptase enzyme, it blocks the conversion of viral RNA to DNA, a step essential for viral replication. First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, nevirapine later received marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization’s pre-qualification programme. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) lists nevirapine-containing fixed-dose combinations among the approved antiretroviral regimens for adults. The drug is marketed under several brand names-including Viramune, Stocrin and generic nevirapine tablets-making it widely accessible through our online pharmacy. While its primary indication is the treatment of HIV-1, clinicians sometimes employ nevirapine off-label for preventing mother-to-child transmission in specific circumstances, reflecting evolving clinical practice.

What is Nevirapine?

Nevirapine belongs to the class of non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, a subclass of antiretroviral agents that interfere directly with the enzymatic activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The U.S. FDA granted its first approval in 1997 for use in combination regimens for treatment-naïve adults, and the EMA followed with a similar indication in 1998. The WHO included nevirapine in its 2016 list of essential medicines for HIV, emphasizing its role in resource-limited settings.

At the molecular level, nevirapine binds to an allosteric site on the reverse-transcriptase enzyme, inducing a conformational change that prevents the incorporation of nucleosides into viral DNA. This inhibition halts the replication cycle without requiring intracellular phosphorylation, distinguishing it from nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). In Singapore, the HSA’s product monographs cite these pharmacodynamic properties as the basis for its approved therapeutic uses.

Nevirapine is available as 200 mg film-coated tablets under the brand name Viramune and as part of fixed-dose combinations (e.g., nevirapine/lamivudine/zidovudine). Generic formulations are produced by multiple manufacturers and can be purchased through our online pharmacy, providing a cost-effective alternative to brand-name products.

How Nevirapine Works

Mechanism of Action

Nevirapine attaches to a hydrophobic pocket near the polymerase active site of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. This non-competitive binding blocks the enzyme’s ability to add nucleotides to the growing DNA chain, effectively terminating viral DNA synthesis. Because the drug does not resemble natural nucleosides, it avoids the need for intracellular activation, allowing rapid onset of antiviral activity.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of reverse transcriptase reduces plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, permitting partial immune recovery as measured by CD4⁺ T-cell count increases. Clinically, this translates into delayed disease progression, reduced opportunistic infections, and lower mortality risk when nevirapine is used as part of a three-drug regimen.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 4-5 hours after oral ingestion of the 200 mg tablet. Virologic suppression typically becomes measurable within 2 weeks, with maximal viral load reduction observed after 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy. The drug’s half-life averages 45 hours in adults, supporting once-daily dosing after an initial lead-in period.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

HIV-1 infection in adults: Used in combination with at least two other antiretrovirals, such as nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or protease inhibitors. (HSA Product Monograph)
Pregnant women with high viral load: Recommended by WHO for preventing mother-to-child transmission when viral suppression is not achieved with other regimens. (WHO Guidelines)

Off-Label Uses

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in selected cases: Some clinicians employ nevirapine-based regimens for PEP when resistance patterns dictate its use, though this is not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies.
Simplified maintenance therapy: Small observational studies have explored withdrawing other agents after sustained suppression, retaining nevirapine as the sole NNRTI. Evidence remains limited, and the practice is not approved.

Clinical Efficacy

Large phase III trials, such as the 2NN study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated a 62 % reduction in disease progression events compared with placebo when nevirapine was combined with two NRTIs. In a meta-analysis of ten randomized studies, median viral load decline at 24 weeks averaged 1.5 log₁₀ copies/mL, with an increase of 120 cells/µL in CD4⁺ count. These data underpin current treatment guidelines worldwide.

Buying Nevirapine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to antiretroviral therapy can be hampered by local stock shortages or high out-of-pocket costs. Our online pharmacy leverages established supply chains to deliver authentic nevirapine products directly to your doorstep, preserving confidentiality and reducing expense.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Viramune (200 mg tablet)
Stocrin (200 mg tablet)
Nevirapine + Lamivudine + Zidovudine fixed-dose combo
Generic nevirapine (multiple manufacturers, 200 mg) Our platform offers a typical 30-day supply of generic nevirapine for 45 % less than branded equivalents.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that source medicines from manufacturers inspected under WHO GMP standards. Each batch is verified against the original product dossier before dispatch.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing is complemented by a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, helping patients maintain long-term therapy without financial strain. Bulk purchasing options further reduce per-tablet cost.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) channels, packed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes. Tracking numbers are provided for real-time monitoring.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Nevirapine is marketed primarily as 200 mg film-coated tablets. Fixed-dose combinations contain 200 mg nevirapine together with 300 mg lamivudine and 600 mg zidovudine. Liquid formulations are limited and generally reserved for pediatric use, which falls outside adult guidance.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For treatment-naïve adults, clinicians usually initiate therapy with a lead-in dose of 200 mg once daily for 14 days, followed by 200 mg twice daily as part of a three-drug regimen. In pregnancy, dosing may remain unchanged if viral suppression is achieved, but adjustments are made based on resistance testing and tolerability.

Administration Guidelines

Food: Nevirapine can be taken with or without meals; however, taking it with a light snack may lessen gastrointestinal upset.
Timing: When part of a twice-daily schedule, doses should be spaced roughly 12 hours apart.
Adherence: Consistent daily intake is crucial to avoid resistance emergence.

The exact dose, formulation, and schedule must be individualized by a qualified healthcare provider who considers viral load, co-medications, hepatic function, and patient preferences.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Rash (≈ 10 % of patients): Typically mild maculopapular eruption; severe forms require urgent evaluation.
Hepatotoxicity (≈ 5 %): Elevated transaminases are most frequent during the first 12 weeks.
Nausea and vomiting (≈ 8 %): Often transient and mitigated by taking the tablet with food.
Fatigue (≈ 6 %): May improve after the lead-in period.

Serious Adverse Events

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis: Rare (< .1 %) but potentially fatal skin reactions; immediate discontinuation is mandatory.
Severe hepatic failure: Reported primarily in patients with pre-existing liver disease or high baseline viral loads; requires prompt medical attention.

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity to nevirapine or any NNRTI.
Baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 5 × upper limit of normal (ULN) in patients without hepatitis C co-infection.
Pregnant women with CD4⁺ count > 250 cells/µL initiating therapy (higher risk of hepatic toxicity per FDA labeling).

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): Decrease nevirapine concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy.
CYP2B6 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): May modestly raise nevirapine levels; monitor for toxicity.
Concomitant hepatotoxic agents (e.g., isoniazid, acetaminophen high doses): Heighten liver injury risk.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Use with caution; monitor liver function tests closely.
Breastfeeding: Nevirapine is excreted in breast milk; benefits and risks should be discussed with a clinician.
Elderly: Age-related hepatic decline may necessitate dose adjustment.
Renal or hepatic impairment: No formal dose reduction required, but enhanced monitoring is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between nevirapine and efavirenz? Nevirapine binds a distinct allosteric pocket on reverse transcriptase and generally has a lower central nervous system side-effect profile than efavirenz, which is associated with vivid dreams and dizziness.
How long does it take for nevirapine to lower my viral load? Detectable reductions appear within 2 weeks, with most patients achieving maximal suppression after 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy.
Can I take nevirapine with my cholesterol-lowering medication? No major pharmacokinetic interaction is expected with statins, but always confirm with your clinician, especially if you use high-dose pravastatin or simvastatin.
What should I do if I develop a rash while on nevirapine? Stop the medication immediately and seek medical care; a mild rash may resolve with antihistamines, but any progression warrants urgent evaluation for severe cutaneous adverse reactions.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while using nevirapine? Moderate alcohol intake does not significantly alter nevirapine levels, but excessive consumption can exacerbate liver toxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic disease.
Does taking nevirapine with food affect its absorption? Food modestly slows absorption but does not change overall bioavailability; taking it with a light snack can improve gastrointestinal tolerance.
Can I switch from a brand-name product to a generic version? Generic nevirapine tablets are bioequivalent to branded formulations, and most clinicians consider the switch safe, provided the product is sourced from a reputable supplier-such as our online pharmacy.
What monitoring is required while I’m on nevirapine? Baseline and periodic liver function tests (ALT, AST) are recommended, especially during the first three months; CD4⁺ count and viral load should be assessed according to national HIV guidelines.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing nevirapine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of liver disease, hepatitis B/C status, and recent vaccination records.
- Baseline laboratory results (liver enzymes, CD4⁺ count, viral load).
- Any prior drug reactions, especially skin rashes or hepatic events.

Disclaimer

The information provided about nevirapine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing nevirapine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing nevirapine.