Rilpivirine is a drug that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This drug can be combined with other antiretrovirals to increase the effectiveness of therapy. This medicine is available in tablet form and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Rilpivirine works by inhibiting the multiplication of viruses in the body, so that the body's immune system can work properly. Keep in mind that these drugs cannot cure HIV, but they can slow the progression of HIV infection.
Trademark for rilpivirine: Edurant
What is rilpivirine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor ( NNRTI) antivirals |
| Benefit | Slows down HIV infection |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged ≥12 years |
| Rilpivirine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N: Not yet categorized.
It is not known whether rilpivirine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Rilpivirine
Rilpivirine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking rilpivirine:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Rilpivirine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have kidney disease, heart disease, mental disorders , severe skin rash, or liver disease , such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal products.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking rilpivirine.
Dosage and Rules for Use Rilpivirine
The dose of rilpivirine will be determined by your doctor. In general, the dose of rilpivirine to slow HIV infection in adults and children over 12 years old is 25 mg, 1 time per day. The drug will be combined with other antiretroviral drugs (ARV).
How to Take Rilpivirine Properly
Read the instructions on the drug packaging and follow your doctor 's advice before taking rilpivirine. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Rilpivirine should be taken with food. Do not stop taking rilpivirine even if you feel better, unless directed by your doctor.
If you forget to take rilpivirine, take it immediately if it is not near the time for your next dose. If it's close, ignore the missed dose. Do not double your rilpivirine dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you are taking medications to treat digestive disorders, such as antacids or didanosine, space them out at least 4 hours before or after taking rilpivirine.
During treatment, you need to carry out controls according to the schedule given by the doctor. You need to do blood tests periodically or according to doctor's advice to see the response to therapy and the development of the condition.
Store rilpivirine at room temperature and place it in a closed container. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.
Rilpivirine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interaction effects that can occur if rilpivirine is taken with other drugs:
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances when taken with efavirenz
- Increased blood levels of rilpivirine when taken with erythromycin
- Increased risk of liver damage if taken with mipomersen
- Decreased blood levels of rilpivirine when taken with carbamazepine , oxcarbazepine, or phenobarbital
- Decreased absorption of rilpivirine in the body when taken with esomeprazole , ranitidine, or cimetidine
Rilpivirine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking rilpivirine are:
- Diarrhea
- Hard to sleep
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Drastic weight change
- Unusual mood swings or tiredness
- Guillain-Barre syndrome , which can be characterized by difficulty moving the eyes, paralysis, or difficulty speaking
- Hyperthyroidism , which can be characterized by palpitations, sweating easily, feeling warm
- Severe stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice
- Infectious disease , which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever or sore throat that does not improve