Discontinue if patients have significant elevations in liver function tests or symptoms consistent with hepatitis. Rifampin and rifabutin reduce serum levels of nevirapine and should be avoided. Pregnancy category C. Nevirapine crosses the placenta in humans. There has been no observed teratogenicity. 600 mg once daily at bedtime with or without food, but not with fatty foods.
General recommendation is to take the drug at bedtime, but it can be given at other times if needed.
Side effects include dizziness, sleeplessness, intense dreams, altered mood, and anxiety. These are worse during the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. Skin rash is also a common side effect. Pregnancy category C. Contraindicated in pregnant women due to fetal malformations seen in efavirenz- treated pregnant monkeys. If signs and symptoms of nephrolithiasis occur, including flank pain with or without hematuria, discontinue therapy, and use an alternate protease inhibitor.