Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 13, 2004
HOW IT WORKS: Nevirapine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, blocks an HIV protein that the virus uses to make new viral particles.
HOW IT IS USED: Nevirapine is generally taken once or twice a day in combination with other anti-AIDS drugs, such as AZT or didanosine.
EXPERIMENTAL USE: Nevirapine was tested in Uganda, Kenya and Thailand to see if a single dose to a mother in labor and one later to the newborn could prevent HIV transmission from an infected, pregnant woman to her baby.
RESISTANCE PROBLEMS: Studies found that birthing mothers who received nevirapine could develop an HIV virus resistant to some HIV drugs, including nevirapine. This could make their later AIDS treatment less effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: Liver toxicity occurs in some patients. About 16 percent of patients develop a skin rash. Other common side effects include nausea, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal and muscle pain.
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