Side Effects of Nevirapine

Changes in body fat distribution, rashes, and signs of liver damage are some of the potentially serious side effects of nevirapine that should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. It is important to know, however, that side effects of the drug are typically minor and don't require medical attention in most cases. More common nevirapine side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Nevirapine for HIV/AIDS

Nevirapine Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with nevirapine (Viramune^®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with nevirapine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of nevirapine side effects with you.)

Side Effects of Nevirapine to Report

There are a number of side effects with nevirapine that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:

Signs of liver damage, such as:

Fatigue or a general ill feeling (malaise)
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Tenderness near the liver (the upper right abdomen)
Pale stools

Changes in the distribution of fat on your body (such as a "buffalo hump")
Any rash, especially a rash that is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

A general ill feeling (malaise)
Fatigue
Muscle aches or joint pain
Skin blisters
Mouth sores
Eye redness
Swelling of the face
Liver problems.

(Side Effects of Nevirapine Continued: Page 2)