Rilpivirine is used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
What is Rilpivirine?
Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRTI). It acts by stopping the growth of HIV.
How should Rilpivirine be taken?
Rilpivirne is administered orally, with a meal.
Side effects associated with Rilpivirine
Rilpivirine can boost immune responses, leading to reactions against hidden infections.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Headache
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Rilpivirine triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Irregular heartbeat
- Psychological or behavioral changes
- Severe or persistent stomach pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Liver problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Rilpivirine
In case of treatment with didanosine or antacids, these should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after Rilpivirine. However, any inhibitor of histamine H2 receptors should be taken at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after Rilpivirine.
Moreover, before taking Rilpivirine it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular other NNRTI, drugs that increase the risk of QT prolongation, azole antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, antibiotics, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, histamine H2 receptor , oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, PPI, rifamycins, methadone or St. John's wort
- You suffer (or have suffered) from kidney or liver problems or QT prolongation
- You have had a history of suicidal thoughts, behavior problems or psychological or mental disorders
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
