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DELAVIRDINE (Rescriptor)

Why am I given Delavirdine as my medication?

• Delavirdine (also called Rescriptor) is a drug that is used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.
• Delavirdine blocks a protein called "Reverse Transcriptase". It belongs to a class of drugs called Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTI). The HIV virus needs this protein to reproduce itself, so by blocking it the drug helps slow down HIV disease.
• Taking this medication can reduce the amount of virus in your body. It can also reduce your chance of getting sick from AIDS-related illnesses, help you stay healthy longer or get your health back. It may also reduce the damage to your immune system.

How do I take this medication?

• Delavirdine comes in 100mg tablets. The usual dose of Delavirdine is 400 mg (4 tablets) 3 times a day. The tablets should be either swallowed whole or dissolved in a glass of water.
• Delavirdine can be taken with or without food.
• Delavirdine should be stored at room temperature in a dry place.
• Keep it out of reach of children.

What if I forget to take a dose?

• Take the dose you missed as soon as possible. However, if it is within two hours of your next dose, just continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
• Recent studies have found that for the anti-HIV medications to work, all the medications need to be taken regularly and consistently. Missing or skipping does of your medication may make it lose its effectiveness as the virus can change and become resistant to the medication.

What are the side effects of Delavirdine?

• The main side effect of Delavirdine is a skin rash, which usually appears in the first 4 weeks of therapy.
• If the rash is mild, usually it can be managed with some medications and your body will probably adapt to the medication.
• If the rash is severe, with symptoms of fever, sores in the mouth, muscle or joint pain, eye swelling or red eyes; stop taking the medication and call your doctor or pharmacist right away.
• Other side effects may include:
• Headache
• stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
• fatigue

• If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or pharmacist and discuss your symptoms with them. Do not stop the medication or change your dose before you talk to your doctor or pharmacist, they may have suggestions of how you can manage the side effects without stopping the medication.

Can I take Delavirdine with other medications?

• Delavirdine can interact with other drugs. It is important that you tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medications (including vitamins and herbs) you are taking.
• If you are taking Delavirdine, avoid taking Hismanal (Astemizole), Seldane (Terfenadine), Cisapride (Prepulsid) and Rifampin.
• Delavirdine affects the blood levels of other HIV drugs known as protease inhibitors (i.e. Saquinavir (Fortovase & Invirase), Indinavir (Crixivan), Ritonavir (Norvir), Nelfinavir (Viracept), Kaletra (lopinavir), Amprenavir (Agenerase)). If you are on Delavirdine and these drugs together, their dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Delavirdine should be taken at least 1 hour apart from ddI, antacids such as Tums, Rolaids or Maalox etc.

Can I take Delavirdine with alcohol or street drugs?

• In general, it is advisable to avoid excessive amount of alcohol and street drugs while you are taking anti-HIV medications.
• Alcohol may interact with some of your medications. Do not skip a dose of your medication because you want a drink.
• Delavirdine may interact with street drugs. Consult your doctor and pharmacist if you are using drugs so they can advise you about the necessary precautions.

Can I take Delavirdine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• If you are pregnant and wish to take Delavirdine, please consult your doctor about taking medication.
• Since the HIV virus can be transmitted through breast milk, breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV positive women.

What other precautions do I need to know when taking Delavirdine?

• Delavirdine may affect your liver. You should keep your appointments with your physician for blood tests to check your liver function regularly.
• Make sure you have a continuous supply of the medication.

Delavirdine does not kill the virus or cure AIDS. It also does not prevent the transmission of HIV, so please remember to always take precautions if you are having sex (use latex condoms) or using drugs (use clean syringes).

 

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