Nevirapina Farmoz (Nevirapine)

Nevirapina Farmoz is an NNRTI used in the management of HIV-1 infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.

• HIV-1 infection (treatment‑naïve adults): reduces viral load when combined with other antiretrovirals.
• HIV-1 infection (treatment‑experienced adults): provides an alternative NNRTI option in salvage regimens.
• Pediatric HIV-1 infection (≥2 years): used as part of age‑appropriate combination therapy.

• Nevirapine binds to a non‑nucleoside site on the HIV‑1 reverse transcriptase enzyme, inducing a conformational change that inhibits the enzyme's RNA‑ and DNA‑dependent DNA polymerase activity, thereby preventing viral RNA transcription and replication within infected cells.

Nevirapine may cause a range of adverse reactions that vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Rash: mild to moderate skin eruptions.
• Nausea: occasional gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.
• Headache: transient cranial pain.
• Insomnia: difficulty sleeping.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild hepatic enzyme changes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction requiring immediate discontinuation.
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis: life‑threatening skin detachment.
• Hepatic failure: severe liver injury with jaundice.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: including fever and eosinophilia.
• Severe rash: extensive or bullous skin lesions.
• Drug‑induced liver injury: marked transaminase elevations with clinical hepatitis.

When prescribing Nevirapina Farmoz, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Liver function monitoring: assess baseline and periodic liver enzyme levels.
• Skin reactions: discontinue the drug promptly if a severe rash or hypersensitivity develops.
• Pregnancy considerations: avoid use during the first trimester due to potential hepatotoxicity.
• Drug interaction review: evaluate concomitant medications that affect CYP enzymes.
• Adherence counseling: ensure consistent dosing to minimize resistance development.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and light.

Nevirapina Farmoz can interact with other medicines, influencing efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Ritonavir‑boosted protease inhibitors: may increase nevirapine levels, raising hepatotoxicity risk.
• St. John's Wort: can reduce nevirapine concentrations, compromising antiviral effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Efavirenz: additive central nervous system effects may occur.
• Zidovudine: potential for increased bone marrow suppression.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine): may lower nevirapine plasma levels, reducing efficacy.