What should I know about Edurant before taking it?

Before you take Edurant (rilpivirine) you should know why it is being prescribed for you, what you can expect from treatment, and how to take the drug. Edurant is a 25 milligram tablet that is usually taken once a day with food, along with other antiviral medications, to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in adults who have contracted the virus but haven't been treated for it yet. HIV is the virus that can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Edurant is not a cure for HIV infection, but when taken with other HIV medications, Edurant can help prevent the virus from multiplying, reducing the amount of HIV in your blood. Edurant may also boost your white blood cell count which can help your body fight off other diseases and infections.

Before you start taking Edurant you should make a list of all your medicines (prescription and nonprescription) and supplements, and go over it carefully with your doctor. Edurant may interact with other medications and some supplements, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing risk of side effects, or causing Edurant to not work as effectively. You may need to stop taking your supplements or other drugs before starting treatment with Edurant.

Be sure that your doctor is aware of your medical history and current health, especially any liver problems or mental health problems. Before taking Edurant, you should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Because Edurant is not a cure for HIV infection, you need to continue to take precautions to not spread HIV to others (by using latex or polyurethane condoms during sex and not sharing needles, for example). Talk to your doctor for more information about Edurant and HIV infection.

Continue Learning about Anti-HIV Agent
