Delavirdine

For inquiries between 8am-10pm and for emergencies 24 hours call: 1-888-511-6222
Ambulatory Care Pharmacists: 604-806-8151 Please call two weeks in advance to book
your pharmacy appointments with the receptionist at 604-806-8060.
DELAVIRDINE (Rescriptor)
What is Delavirdine?
•
A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus in combination with other antiretroviral agents (ARV)
How do I take it?
•
The usual adult dose is 600 mg (ie 6 tablets) twice daily or 400 mg (ie 4 tablets) three times daily. to dissolve in water, add the tablets to at least 90mL (3 ounces) of water and allow to stand for a few minutes. Stir until tablets dissolve, drink promptly, rinse glass and drink the rinse to ensure the entire dose is taken. Delavirdine should not be taken at the same time as didanosine buffered tablets (Videx®) or antacids such as TUMS®, Rolaids® Maalox®, etc. Instead, take delavirdine 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking didanosine buffered tablets (Videx®) or antacids. Drugs such as ranitidine (Zantac®), famotidine (Pepcid®), omeprazole (Losec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), pantoprazole (Pantoloc®) and rabeprazole (Pariet®) may decrease the absorption and activity of delavirdine. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking one of these drugs.
Take delavirdine every day as prescribed as missing doses can lead to the development
of drug resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is
close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at
the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.


What should I expect?
The most common side effect is a mild skin rash that usually occurs within the first 1-3 weeks of therapy. It can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone) and/or oral antihistamines If you develop a severe rash, or a rash with symptoms such as fever, blistering,
mouth sores, swelling, or muscle/joint aches, discontinue delavirdine and contact
your doctor, IMMEDIATELY.
Common side effects may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, sedation and fatigue. Redistribution or accumulation of body fat, blood fat changes and/or diabetes may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with further information on this topic. WARNING:
Delavirdine can interact with a number of medications (e.g. Some antihistamines,
benzodiazepines, anti-tuberculosis medications), resulting in potentially serious
complications.
Always check with the pharmacist (1-888-511-6222) or your doctor, before starting
any new therapies (prescription, non prescription and herbal) to ensure the safety of
the combination
How do I store it?
Delavirdine should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature (15-30 degrees C) and
out of the reach of children.
Labwork to be done:
CBC with differential, liver enzymes and fasting glucose and lipid panel, plasma viral load,
CD4 count


June 2008

Source: http://www.cfenet.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/docs/delavirdine.pdf