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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
Delavirdine (de-la-VIR-deen) is used, in combination with other medicines, in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Delavirdine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Delavirdine will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For delavirdine, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to delavirdine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Delavirdine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that delavirdine causes birth defects when given in doses higher than those given to humans. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether delavirdine passes into the breast milk. However, if your baby does not already have the AIDS virus, there is a chance you could pass it to your baby by breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor first if you are thinking about breast-feeding your baby.
Older adults--Delavirdine has not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it is not known whether it causes different side effects or problems in the elderly than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking delavirdine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of delavirdine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
This medicine can be taken with our without food.
It is best to swallow the tablets whole. However, if swallowing is difficult, the tablets can be put in a glass of water (at least 3 ounces), allowed to sit for a few minutes, and then stirred to mix. Drink the mixture right away. Then rinse the glass with water and drink that rinse to make sure the full dose is taken.
Do not take any antacid medications within 1 hour of the time you take delavirdine. They may prevent delavirdine from being absorbed into the body.
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.
Keep taking delavirdine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better.
Dosing--The dose of delavirdine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of delavirdine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Skin rash (severe) with itching
Less common
Blisters; eye inflammation; fever; joint aches; muscle aches; sores in mouth; swelling
Rare
Difficulty in breathing
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Diarrhea; headache; nausea; unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Vomiting
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 07/28/98
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