Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Edurant.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Edurant can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Pimozide, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with rilpivirine.
If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications that can affect heart rhythm, discuss with your doctor how Edurant may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Edurant, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Depression: Antiretroviral medications have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Edurant may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Edurant, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Edurant contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Galactose intolerance: Rilpivirine contains lactose. If you have hereditary galactose intolerance you should not take Edurant.
Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome can occur with the use of rilpivirine. This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome: Edurant may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medication and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms (such as pneumonia, herpes or Tuberculosis). Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Edurant may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Edurant, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Rilpivirine is largely removed from the body by the liver and may cause liver problems. Decreased liver function may cause Edurant to build up in the body, causing increased side effects. People with hepatitis B or C may be at increased risk for liver problems. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Edurant may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Edurant, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Edurant should not be used by people with severely reduced liver function.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.
Stopping the medication: If you stop taking Edurant, your HIV infection could get worse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.
Pregnancy: Edurant should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Edurant, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if rilpivirine passes into breast milk. Women who have HIV infection should not breast-feed because of the risk of passing HIV to a baby who does not have the infection.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Edurant have not been established for children less than 12 years of age or weighing less than 35 kg.
Seniors: The effects of Edurant on seniors have not been well studied. It is likely that people over the age of 65 will experience more side effects and should report any unusual effects to their doctor as soon as possible.
