Skin rash is the most common side effect of VIRAMUNE. Most rashes occur in the first 6 weeks of treatment. In a small number of patients, rash can be serious and result in death. Therefore, if you develop a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop using VIRAMUNE and call your doctor right away:
- general ill feeling or “flu-like” symptoms
- fever
- muscle or joint aches
- conjunctivitis (red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye”)
- any of the symptoms of liver disease discussed above
- blisters
- mouth sores
- swelling of your face
- tiredness
If your doctor tells you to stop treatment with VIRAMUNE because you have experienced the serious liver or skin reactions described above, never take VIRAMUNE again. These are not all the side effects of VIRAMUNE. (See the section “What are the possible side effects of VIRAMUNE?” in the Medication Guide for more information.) Tell your doctor if you have any side effects from VIRAMUNE. Every time you fill your prescription of VIRAMUNE, you will receive a Medication Guide which will provide you with additional important information on VIRAMUNE.
The dose of VIRAMUNE for adults is one 200-mg tablet daily for the first 14 days, followed by one 200-mg tablet twice daily. The 14-day lead-in period is important because it can help reduce your chances of getting a rash.
Other common side effects that patients have experienced include nausea, fatigue, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and myalgia. Changes in body fat may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Please consult Full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, Medication Guide, and Important Safety Information for VIRAMUNE.
