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Viramune vs. Edurant

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nevirapine (formerly Viramune) and Edurant (rilpivirine) are both medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Nevirapine (Viramune) is available in both generic and brand-name forms, while Edurant (rilpivirine) is only available as a brand-name medication. Nevirapine (Viramune) comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, as well as an oral suspension, making it suitable for people who have trouble swallowing pills. In contrast, Edurant (rilpivirine) is taken once daily with a meal and is not available in multiple forms. Nevirapine (Viramune) can cause severe rash and liver problems, especially in the first 4 months of treatment, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Edurant (rilpivirine) can also cause liver problems and severe skin reactions, but it may be safe to use during pregnancy. Additionally, Edurant (rilpivirine) can cause depression and suicidal thoughts, which is not a noted side effect of Nevirapine (Viramune). Both medications interact with many other medications, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider.

Nevirapine

(Viramune)

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Edurant

(rilpivirine)

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Summary for Viramune

Prescription only

Nevirapine (Viramune) is a medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Nevirapine (Viramune) also comes as an oral suspension for people who have trouble swallowing and children. Rarely, this medication can cause severe rash in the first 4 months of treatment. Get medical attention right away if rash happens.

Indications for Viramune

  • HIV infection

Pros and Cons for Viramune

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Available in short-acting and long-acting forms, so options to take once or twice daily
  • Available as an oral solution, so it's convenient for people who has trouble swallowing
  • Can be used in children 15 days or older (short-acting tablets and oral solution only)

Cons

  • Interacts with many medications, including some other HIV medications (e.g., atazanavir (Reyataz))
  • Immediate-release formulation needs to be taken twice daily after the first 2 weeks of treatment
  • Can cause severe rash or liver problems
  • Not a good option for pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Viramune

  • Rash (5-7%)
  • Nausea (1-9%)

Warnings for Viramune

  • Liver problems
  • Severe skin and allergic reactions
  • Overactive immune system
  • Changes in body fat
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Edurant

Prescription only

Edurant (rilpivirine) is a once-daily antiretroviral medication that's taken by mouth and is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's approved for use in adults and children. Edurant (rilpivirine) is taken with other antiretroviral medications when it's used for certain people who've never had HIV treatment before. Edurant (rilpivirine) can also be used for a short period of time before starting Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine). Side effects of Edurant (rilpivirine) can include depression, headache, and trouble sleeping.

Indications for Edurant

  • Treatment of HIV-1 infection in people 2 years and older, weighing at least 30 pounds, with an HIV viral load of less than 100,000 copies/mL and who haven't taken HIV medications before
  • Short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in certain people ages 12 years and older, weighing at least 77 pounds, who are planning to start or planning to miss a dose of Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine)

Pros and Cons for Edurant

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once a day, so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule
  • Can use in people with mild-to-moderate kidney and liver problems
  • Safe to use during pregnancy

Cons

  • Can cause some allergic skin reactions
  • Must take with a meal
  • Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Edurant

Warnings for Edurant

  • Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
  • Liver problems
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Overactive immune system
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Viramune vs. Edurant

Price Card Drug Icon
Nevirapine180 tablets / 200mg of
$35.14$1,267.97
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Rilpivirine30 tablets / 25mg
$408.82$1,272.11
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