Viramune

Physicians Total Care, Inc.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use VIRAMUNE XR safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for VIRAMUNE XR. Viramune XR® (nevirapine) Extended-Release Tablets, for oral useInitial U.S. Approval: 1996RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Indications and Usage (1) 11/2012 Dosage and Administration         General Dosing Considerations (2.1) 11/2012       Pediatric Patients (2.3) 11/2012       Dosage Adjustment (2.5) 11/2012 Warnings and Precautions         Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (5.5) 11/2012 BOXED WARNINGWARNING: LIFE-THREATENING (INCLUDING FATAL) HEPATOTOXICITY and SKIN REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Fatal and non-fatal hepatotoxicity (5.1) Fatal and non-fatal skin reactions (5.2) Discontinue immediately if experiencing: Signs or symptoms of hepatitis (5.1) Increased transaminases combined with rash or other systemic symptoms (5.1) Severe skin or hypersensitivity reactions (5.2) Any rash with systemic symptoms (5.2) Monitoring during the first 18 weeks of therapy is essential. Extra vigilance is warranted during the first 6 weeks of therapy, which is the period of greatest risk of these events (5). INDICATIONS AND USAGE VIRAMUNE XR is an NNRTI indicated for combination antiretroviral treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in children 6 to less than 18 years of age. (1) Important Considerations: Initiation of treatment is not recommended in the following populations unless the benefits outweigh the risks. (1, 5.1) adult females with CD4+ cell counts greater than 250 cells/mm3 adult males with CD4+ cell counts greater than 400 cells/mm3 The 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE (200 mg once daily) must be strictly followed; it has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of rash. (2.5, 5.2) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The VIRAMUNE XR tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be chewed, crushed, or divided (2.1) Adult patients must initiate therapy with one 200 mg tablet of immediate-release VIRAMUNE once daily for the first 14 days, followed by one 400 mg tablet of VIRAMUNE XR once daily. (2.2) Adult patients already on a regimen of immediate-release VIRAMUNE twice daily can be switched to VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily without the 14-day lead-in period of immediate-release VIRAMUNE. (2.2) Pediatric patients (ages 6 to less than18 years) must initiate therapy with immediate-release VIRAMUNE (as 150 mg/m2 of VIRAMUNE Oral Suspension or as VIRAMUNE tablet) at a dose not to exceed 200 mg per day administered once daily for the first 14 days, followed by VIRAMUNE XR once daily as shown in the following table. (2.3) Recommended Dosing for Pediatric Patients 6 to less than 18 years of age by BSA after the Lead-in Period BSA range (m2) VIRAMUNE XR tablets dose (mg) 0.58 - 0.83 200 mg once daily (2 x 100 mg) 0.84 - 1.16 300 mg once daily (3 x 100 mg) Greater than or equal to 1.17 400 mg once daily (1 x 400 mg) Pediatric patients already on a regimen of twice-daily VIRAMUNE Oral Suspension or immediate-release VIRAMUNE can be switched to VIRAMUNE XR once daily without the 14-day lead-in period of VIRAMUNE Oral Suspension or immediate-release VIRAMUNE. (2.3) If any patient experiences rash during the 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE do not initiate VIRAMUNE XR until the rash has resolved. Do not continue the immediate-release VIRAMUNE lead-in dosing regimen beyond 28 days. (2.5) If dosing is interrupted for greater than 7 days, restart 14-day lead-in dosing. (2.5) DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 100 mg and 400 mg tablets (3) CONTRAINDICATIONS Patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh Class B or C, respectively) hepatic impairment. (4.1, 5.1, 8.7) Use as part of occupational and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens, an unapproved use. (4.2, 5.1) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity: Fatal and non-fatal hepatotoxicity has been reported. Monitor liver function tests before and during therapy. Permanently discontinue nevirapine if clinical hepatitis or transaminase elevations combined with rash or other systemic symptoms occur. Do not restart nevirapine after recovery. (5.1) Rash: Fatal and non-fatal skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and hypersensitivity reactions, have been reported. Permanently discontinue nevirapine if severe skin reactions or hypersensitivity reactions occur. Check transaminase levels immediately for all patients who develop a rash in the first 18 weeks of treatment. (5.2) Monitor patients for immune reconstitution syndrome and fat redistribution. (5.5, 5.6) Side Effects Adult patients: The most common adverse reaction is rash. During the lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, the incidence of Grade 2 or higher drug-related rash in adults is 3%. After the lead-in period the incidence of Grade 2 or higher drug-related rash in subjects taking VIRAMUNE XR is 3%. The incidence of Grade 2 or higher drug-related clinical hepatitis after the lead-in phase was 2%. (6.1) Pediatric patients: The incidence of Grade 2 or higher drug-related rash was 1%. (6.2) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at (800) 542-6257 or (800) 459-9906 TTY, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. DRUG INTERACTIONSCo-administration of VIRAMUNE XR can alter the concentrations of other drugs, and other drugs may alter the concentration of nevirapine. The potential for drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. (5.4, 7, 12.3) USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS No dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment with a creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 20 mL per min. Patients on dialysis receive an additional dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE (200 mg) following each dialysis treatment (2.5, 8.6) Monitor patients with hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis carefully for evidence of drug induced toxicity. Do not administer VIRAMUNE XR to patients with Child-Pugh B or C. (5.1, 8.7)

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• WARNING: LIFE-THREATENING (INCLUDING FATAL) HEPATOTOXICITY and SKIN REACTIONS
• 1  VIRAMUNE INDICATIONS AND USAGE
• 2  VIRAMUNE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
  • 2.1 General Dosing Considerations
  • 2.2  Adult Patients
  • 2.3  Pediatric Patients
  • 2.4  Monitoring of Patients
  • 2.5  Dosage Adjustment
• 3  DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
• 4  VIRAMUNE CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • 4.1  Hepatic Impairment
  • 4.2  Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
• 5  WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
  • 5.1  Hepatotoxicity and Hepatic Impairment
  • 5.2  Skin Reactions
  • 5.3  Resistance
  • 5.4  Drug Interactions
  • 5.5  Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
  • 5.6  Fat Redistribution
• 6  VIRAMUNE ADVERSE REACTIONS
  • 6.1  Clinical Trial Experience in Adult Patients
  • 6.2  Clinical Trial Experience in Pediatric Patients
  • 6.3  Post-Marketing Experience
• 7  DRUG INTERACTIONS
• 8  USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
  • 8.1  Pregnancy
  • 8.3  Nursing Mothers
  • 8.4  Pediatric Use
  • 8.5  Geriatric Use
  • 8.6  Renal Impairment
  • 8.7  Hepatic Impairment
• 10  OVERDOSAGE
• 11  VIRAMUNE DESCRIPTION
• 12  CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
  • 12.1  Mechanism of Action
  • 12.3  Pharmacokinetics
  • 12.4  Microbiology
• 13  NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
  • 13.1  Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
  • 13.2  Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
• 14  CLINICAL STUDIES
  • 14.1  Adult Patients
  • 14.2 Pediatric Patients
• 16  HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
• 17  PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
  • 17.1  Hepatotoxicity and Skin Reactions
  • 17.2  Administration
  • 17.3  Drug Interactions
  • 17.4  Contraceptives
  • 17.5  Methadone
  • 17.6  Fat Redistribution

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1  INDICATIONS AND USAGE

VIRAMUNE XR is indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in children 6 to less than 18 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2) ].

Additional important information regarding the use of VIRAMUNE XR for the treatment of HIV-1 infection:

• Based on serious and life-threatening hepatotoxicity observed in controlled and uncontrolled trials, nevirapine should not be initiated in adult females with CD4⁺ cell counts greater than 250 cells/mm³ or in adult males with CD4⁺ cell counts greater than 400 cells/mm³ unless the benefit outweighs the risk [ see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
  
  
• The 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE dosing must be strictly followed; it has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of rash [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
  
  
• If rash persists beyond the 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, do not begin dosing with VIRAMUNE XR. The lead-in dosing with 200 mg once-daily immediate-release VIRAMUNE should not be continued beyond 28 days, at which point an alternative regimen should be sought.

2  DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 General Dosing Considerations

• VIRAMUNE XR tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be chewed, crushed, or divided.
• Children should be assessed for their ability to swallow tablets before prescribing VIRAMUNE XR tablets.
• VIRAMUNE XR can be taken with or without food.
• No recommendations can be made regarding substitution of four VIRAMUNE XR 100 mg tablets for one VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg tablet.

2.2  Adult Patients

Patients must initiate therapy with one 200 mg tablet of immediate-release VIRAMUNE daily for the first 14 days in combination with other antiretroviral agents (this lead-in period should be used because it has been found to lessen the frequency of rash), followed by one 400 mg tablet of VIRAMUNE XR once daily.

Patients already on a regimen of immediate-release VIRAMUNE twice daily in combination with other antiretroviral agents can be switched to VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily in combination with other antiretroviral agents without the 14-day lead-in period of immediate-release VIRAMUNE.

2.3  Pediatric Patients

Pediatric patients may be dosed using VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg or 100 mg tablets. VIRAMUNE XR is dosed based on a patient’s body surface area (BSA) calculated using the Mosteller formula. All pediatric patients must initiate therapy with immediate-release VIRAMUNE (as 150 mg/m² of VIRAMUNE Oral Suspension or as VIRAMUNE tablets), at a dose not to exceed 200 mg per day, administered once daily for the first 14 days. This lead-in period should be used because it has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of rash. This lead-in period is not required if the patient is already on a regimen of twice daily immediate-release formulation in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

The recommended oral doses of VIRAMUNE XR for pediatric patients 6 to less than 18 years of age based upon their BSA are described in the table below. The total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg for any patient.

Mosteller Formula: BSA (m²) =

2.4  Monitoring of Patients

Intensive clinical and laboratory monitoring, including liver enzyme tests, is essential at baseline and during the first 18 weeks of treatment with nevirapine. The optimal frequency of monitoring during this period has not been established. Some experts recommend clinical and laboratory monitoring more often than once per month, and in particular, would include monitoring of liver enzyme tests prior to beginning the 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, prior to initiation of VIRAMUNE XR, and at two weeks after initiation of VIRAMUNE XR therapy. After the initial 18-week period, frequent clinical and laboratory monitoring should continue throughout VIRAMUNE XR treatment [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. In some cases, hepatic injury has progressed despite discontinuation of treatment.

Patients already on a regimen of immediate-release VIRAMUNE twice daily who switch to VIRAMUNE XR once daily should continue with their ongoing clinical and laboratory monitoring.

2.5  Dosage Adjustment

Discontinue nevirapine if a patient experiences severe rash or any rash accompanied by constitutional findings [ see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Patient Counseling Information (17.1) ]. Do not initiate therapy with VIRAMUNE XR if a patient experiences mild to moderate rash without constitutional symptoms during the 14-day lead-in period of immediate-release VIRAMUNE until the rash has resolved [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Patient Counseling Information (17.1) ]. The total duration of the once daily lead-in dosing period should not exceed 28 days at which point an alternative regimen should be sought.

If a clinical (symptomatic) hepatic event occurs, permanently discontinue nevirapine. Do not restart nevirapine after recovery [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

For patients who interrupt VIRAMUNE XR dosing for more than 7 days, restart the recommended lead-in dosing with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, using one 200 mg tablet daily for the first 14 days.

Patients with CrCL greater than or equal to 20 mL per min and not requiring dialysis do not require an adjustment in dosing. The pharmacokinetics of nevirapine have not been evaluated in patients with CrCL less than 20 mL per min. An additional 200 mg dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE following each dialysis treatment is indicated in patients requiring dialysis. Nevirapine metabolites may accumulate in patients receiving dialysis; however, the clinical significance of this accumulation is not known [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. VIRAMUNE XR has not been studied in patients with renal dysfunction.

3  DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

VIRAMUNE XR Tablets
100 mg, yellow, round, biconvex extended-release tablets, debossed with “V01” on one side and the Boehringer Ingelheim logo on the other side.

400 mg, yellow, oval, biconvex extended-release tablets, debossed with “V04” on one side and the Boehringer Ingelheim logo on the other side.

4  CONTRAINDICATIONS

4.1  Hepatic Impairment

VIRAMUNE XR is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh Class B or C, respectively) hepatic impairment [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ].

4.2  Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

VIRAMUNE XR is contraindicated for use as part of occupational and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

5  WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

The most serious adverse reactions associated with nevirapine are hepatitis/hepatic failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and hypersensitivity reactions. Hepatitis/hepatic failure may be associated with signs of hypersensitivity which can include severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, or renal dysfunction.

The first 18 weeks of therapy with nevirapine are a critical period during which intensive clinical and laboratory monitoring of patients is required to detect potentially life-threatening hepatic events and skin reactions. The optimal frequency of monitoring during this time period has not been established. Some experts recommend clinical and laboratory monitoring more often than once per month, and in particular, include monitoring of liver enzyme tests prior to beginning the 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, prior to initiation of VIRAMUNE XR (during the lead-in period), and at two weeks after initiation of VIRAMUNE XR therapy. After the initial 18-week period, frequent clinical and laboratory monitoring should continue throughout VIRAMUNE XR treatment. In addition, the 14-day lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of rash [ see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.5) ].

Patients already on a regimen of immediate-release VIRAMUNE twice daily who switch to VIRAMUNE XR therapy should continue with their ongoing clinical and laboratory monitoring.

5.1  Hepatotoxicity and Hepatic Impairment

Severe, life-threatening, and in some cases fatal hepatotoxicity, including fulminant and cholestatic hepatitis, hepatic necrosis and hepatic failure, have been reported in patients treated with nevirapine.

The risk of symptomatic hepatic events regardless of severity is greatest in the first 6 weeks of therapy. The risk continued to be greater in the nevirapine groups in controlled clinical trials through 18 weeks of treatment. However, hepatic events may occur at any time during treatment. In some cases, patients presented with non-specific, prodromal signs or symptoms of fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, liver tenderness or hepatomegaly, with or without initially abnormal serum transaminase levels. Rash was observed in approximately half of the patients with symptomatic hepatic adverse events. Fever and flu-like symptoms accompanied some of these hepatic events. Some events, particularly those with rash and other symptoms, have progressed to hepatic failure with transaminase elevation, with or without hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic encephalopathy, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, or eosinophilia. Rhabdomyolysis has been observed in some patients experiencing skin and/or liver reactions associated with nevirapine use. Patients with signs or symptoms of hepatitis must be advised to discontinue nevirapine and immediately seek medical evaluation, which should include liver enzyme tests.

Transaminases should be checked immediately if a patient experiences signs or symptoms suggestive of hepatitis and/or hypersensitivity reaction. Transaminases should also be checked immediately for all patients who develop a rash in the first 18 weeks of treatment. Physicians and patients should be vigilant for the appearance of signs or symptoms of hepatitis, such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, bilirubinuria, acholic stools, liver tenderness, or hepatomegaly. The diagnosis of hepatotoxicity should be considered in this setting, even if transaminases are initially normal or alternative diagnoses are possible [ see Boxed Warning, Dosage and Administration (2.4), and Patient Counseling Information (17.1) ].

If clinical hepatitis or transaminase elevations combined with rash or other systemic symptoms occur, permanently discontinue nevirapine. Do not restart nevirapine after recovery. In some cases, hepatic injury progresses despite discontinuation of treatment.

The patients at greatest risk of hepatic events, including potentially fatal events, are women with high CD4⁺ cell counts. In a retrospective analysis of pooled clinical trials with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, during the first 6 weeks of treatment women had a 3-fold higher risk than men for symptomatic, often rash-associated, hepatic events (6% versus 2%). Patients with higher CD4⁺ cell counts at initiation of nevirapine therapy are at higher risk for symptomatic hepatic events. Women with CD4⁺ cell counts greater than 250 cells/mm³ had a 12-fold higher risk of symptomatic hepatic adverse events compared to women with CD4⁺ cell counts less than 250 cells/mm³ (11% versus 1%). An increased risk was observed in men with CD4⁺ cell counts greater than 400 cells/mm³ (6% versus 1% for men with CD4⁺ cell counts less than 400 cells/mm³). However, all patients, regardless of gender, CD4⁺ cell count, or antiretroviral treatment history, should be monitored for hepatotoxicity since symptomatic hepatic adverse events have been reported at all CD4⁺ cell counts. Co-infection with hepatitis B or C and/or increased transaminase elevations at the start of therapy with nevirapine are associated with a greater risk of later symptomatic events (6 weeks or more after starting nevirapine) and asymptomatic increases in AST or ALT.

In addition, serious hepatotoxicity (including liver failure requiring transplantation in one instance) has been reported in HIV-1 uninfected individuals receiving multiple doses of immediate-release VIRAMUNE in the setting of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), an unapproved use. Use of VIRAMUNE XR for occupational and non-occupational PEP is contraindicated [ see Contraindications (4.2) ].

Increased nevirapine trough concentrations have been observed in some patients with hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Therefore, carefully monitor patients with either hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis for evidence of drug-induced toxicity. Do not administer nevirapine to patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh Class B or C, respectively) hepatic impairment [ see Contraindications (4.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. VIRAMUNE XR has not been evaluated in subjects with hepatic impairment.

5.2  Skin Reactions

Severe and life-threatening skin reactions, including fatal cases, have been reported in patients taking nevirapine. These have occurred most frequently during the first 6 weeks of therapy. These have included cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and hypersensitivity reactions characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and organ dysfunction including hepatic failure. Rhabdomyolysis has been observed in some patients experiencing skin and/or liver reactions associated with nevirapine use.

Patients developing signs or symptoms of severe skin reactions or hypersensitivity reactions (including, but not limited to, severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, and/or hepatitis, eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, and renal dysfunction) must permanently discontinue nevirapine and seek medical evaluation immediately [ see Boxed Warning and Patient Counseling Information (17.1) ]. Do not restart nevirapine following severe skin rash, skin rash combined with increased transaminases or other symptoms, or hypersensitivity reaction.

If patients present with a suspected nevirapine-associated rash, measure transaminases immediately. Permanently discontinue nevirapine in patients with rash-associated transaminase elevations [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Patients must initiate therapy with immediate-release VIRAMUNE daily for the first 14 days. This lead-in period has been shown to reduce the frequency of rash. Discontinue nevirapine if a patient experiences severe rash or any rash accompanied by constitutional findings. Do not initiate VIRAMUNE XR if a patient experiencing a mild to moderate rash without constitutional symptoms during the 14-day immediate-release VIRAMUNE lead-in period of 200 mg/day (150 mg/m²/day in pediatric patients) until the rash has resolved. The total duration of the immediate-release VIRAMUNE lead-in dosing period must not exceed 28 days at which point an alternative regimen should be sought [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. Patients must be monitored closely if isolated rash of any severity occurs. Delay in stopping nevirapine treatment after the onset of rash may result in a more serious reaction.

Women appear to be at higher risk than men of developing rash with nevirapine.

In a clinical trial of immediate-release VIRAMUNE, concomitant prednisone use (40 mg per day for the first 14 days of nevirapine administration) was associated with an increase in incidence and severity of rash during the first 6 weeks of nevirapine therapy. Therefore, use of prednisone to prevent nevirapine-associated rash is not recommended.

5.3  Resistance

VIRAMUNE XR must not be used as a single agent to treat HIV-1 or added on as a sole agent to a failing regimen. Resistant virus emerges rapidly when nevirapine is administered as monotherapy. The choice of new antiretroviral agents to be used in combination with nevirapine should take into consideration the potential for cross resistance. When discontinuing an antiretroviral regimen containing VIRAMUNE XR, the long half-life of nevirapine should be taken into account; if antiretrovirals with shorter half-lives than nevirapine are stopped concurrently, low plasma concentrations of nevirapine alone may persist for a week or longer and virus resistance may subsequently develop [ see Microbiology(12.4) ].

5.4  Drug Interactions

See Table 4 for listings of established and potential drug interactions [ see Drug Interactions (7) ].

Concomitant use of St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) or St. John's wort-containing products and nevirapine is not recommended. Co-administration of St. John's wort with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), including nevirapine, is expected to substantially decrease NNRTI concentrations and may result in sub-optimal levels of nevirapine and lead to loss of virologic response and possible resistance to nevirapine or to the class of NNRTIs.

Co-administration of nevirapine and efavirenz is not recommended as this combination has been associated with an increase in adverse reactions and no improvement in efficacy.

5.5  Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including nevirapine. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution, however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

5.6  Fat Redistribution

Redistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and "cushingoid appearance" have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.

6  ADVERSE REACTIONS

6.1  Clinical Trial Experience in Adult Patients

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The most serious adverse reactions associated with nevirapine are hepatitis, hepatic failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and hypersensitivity reactions. Hepatitis/hepatic failure may be isolated or associated with signs of hypersensitivity which may include severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, or renal dysfunction [ see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2) ].

The most common clinical toxicity of nevirapine is rash, which can be severe or life-threatening [ see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Rash occurs most frequently within the first 6 weeks of therapy. Rashes are usually mild to moderate, maculopapular erythematous cutaneous eruptions, with or without pruritus, located on the trunk, face and extremities.

The safety database in VIRAMUNE XR clinical trials contains data from 800 subjects treated with VIRAMUNE XR and 654 subjects treated with immediate release VIRAMUNE.

In Trial 1100.1486 (VERxVE) treatment-naïve subjects received a lead-in dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg once daily for 14 days (n=1068) and then were randomized to receive either immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily (n=506) or VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily (n=505). All subjects received tenofovir + emtricitabine as background therapy. Subjects were enrolled with CD4⁺ counts less than 250 cells/mm³ for women and less than 400 cells/mm³ for men [ see Indications and Usage (1) ]. Data on potential symptoms of hepatic events were prospectively collected in this trial. The safety data include all subject visits up to the time of the last subject’s completion of the 96 week endpoint in the trial (mean observation period 98 weeks).

After the lead-in period, the incidence of any hepatic event was 9% in the immediate-release VIRAMUNE group and 6% in the VIRAMUNE XR group; the incidence of symptomatic hepatic events (anorexia, jaundice, vomiting) was 3% and 2%, respectively. The incidence of GRADE 3 or 4 ALT/AST elevation was 8% in both the immediate-release VIRAMUNE group and VIRAMUNE XR group. Overall, there was a comparable incidence of symptomatic hepatic events among men and women enrolled in VERxVE.

Severe or life-threatening rash considered to be related to nevirapine treatment occurred in 1% of subjects during the lead-in phase with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, and in 1% of subjects in either treatment group during the randomization phase. In addition, six cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome were reported in the trial; all but one occurred within the first 30 days of nevirapine treatment.

No Grade 2 or above adverse reactions judged to be related to treatment by the investigator occurred in more than 2% of subjects during the 14-day lead-in with immediate-release VIRAMUNE (200 mg once daily), with the exception of rash which occurred in 4% of subjects.

Adverse reactions of at least moderate intensity (Grades 2 or above) 2% or more of treatment-naïve subjects receiving either immediate-release VIRAMUNE or VIRAMUNE XR after randomization in Trial 1100.1486 are shown in Table 2.

Liver enzyme test abnormalities (AST, ALT) were observed in subjects receiving VIRAMUNE XR. Asymptomatic elevations in GGT occur frequently but are not a contraindication to continue therapy with nevirapine in the absence of elevations in other liver enzyme tests. Laboratory abnormalities that occurred in trial 1100.1486 are shown in Table 3.

In Trial 1100.1526 (TRANxITION) subjects on immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily for at least 18 weeks were randomized to either receive VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily (n=295) or remain on their immediate-release VIRAMUNE treatment (n=148). Adverse reactions observed for VIRAMUNE XR subjects (48 week analysis) were similar to those observed in trial 1100.1486, as displayed in Table 1.

6.2  Clinical Trial Experience in Pediatric Patients

Adverse reactions were assessed in Trial 1100.1518, an open-label, multiple-dose, non-randomized, cross-over trial to evaluate the safety and steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of VIRAMUNE XR tablets in HIV-1-infected pediatric subjects 3 to less than 18 years of age. Safety was further examined in an optional extension phase of the trial. Forty subjects who completed the pharmacokinetic part of the trial were treated with VIRAMUNE XR once daily in combination with other antiretrovirals for a median duration of 33 weeks. The most frequently reported adverse reactions related to VIRAMUNE XR in pediatric subjects were similar to those observed in adults. In pediatric subjects the incidence of Grade 2 or higher drug-related rash was 1%. There were no adverse reactions of Grade 2 or above which were considered to be related to treatment by the investigator that occurred in more than 1% of subjects [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14.2) ].

6.3  Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of immediate-release VIRAMUNE. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

•   Body as a Whole: fever, somnolence, drug withdrawal [ see Drug Interactions (7) ], redistribution/accumulation of body fat [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
•   Gastrointestinal: vomiting
•   Liver and Biliary: jaundice, fulminant and cholestatic hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic failure
•   Hematology: anemia, eosinophilia, neutropenia
•   Investigations: decreased serum phosphorus
•   Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, rhabdomyolysis associated with skin and/or liver reactions
•   Neurologic: paraesthesia
•   Skin and Appendages: allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, bullous eruptions, ulcerative stomatitis and urticaria have all been reported. In addition, hypersensitivity syndrome and hypersensitivity reactions with rash associated with constitutional findings such as fever, blistering, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, muscle or joint aches, general malaise, fatigue, or significant hepatic abnormalities [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] plus one or more of the following: hepatitis, eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, and/or renal dysfunction have been reported.

7  DRUG INTERACTIONS

Nevirapine is principally metabolized by the liver via the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, 3A and 2B6. Nevirapine is known to be an inducer of these enzymes. As a result, drugs that are metabolized by these enzyme systems may have lower than expected plasma levels when co-administered with nevirapine.

The results of drug interactions studies with immediate-release VIRAMUNE are expected to also apply to VIRAMUNE XR. The specific pharmacokinetic changes that occur with co-administration of nevirapine and other drugs are listed in Clinical Pharmacology , Table 5. Clinical comments about possible dosage modifications based on established drug interactions are listed in Table 4. The data in Tables 4 and 5 are based on the results of drug interaction studies conducted in HIV-1 seropositive subjects unless otherwise indicated. In addition to established drug interactions, there may be potential pharmacokinetic interactions between nevirapine and other drug classes that are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system. These potential drug interactions are also listed in Table 4. Although specific drug interaction studies in HIV-1 seropositive subjects have not been conducted for some classes of drugs listed in Table 4, additional clinical monitoring may be warranted when co-administering these drugs.

The in vitro interaction between nevirapine and the antithrombotic agent warfarin is complex. As a result, when giving these drugs concomitantly, plasma warfarin levels may change with the potential for increases in coagulation time. When warfarin is co-administered with nevirapine, anticoagulation levels should be monitored frequently.

8  USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1  Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of nevirapine in pregnant women. The Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry, which has been surveying pregnancy outcomes since January 1989, has not found an increased risk of birth defects following first trimester exposures to nevirapine. The prevalence of birth defects after any trimester exposure to nevirapine is comparable to the prevalence observed in the general population.

Severe hepatic events, including fatalities, have been reported in pregnant women receiving chronic nevirapine therapy as part of combination treatment of HIV-1 infection. Regardless of pregnancy status, women with CD4⁺ cell counts greater than 250 cells/mm³ should not initiate nevirapine unless the benefit outweighs the risk. It is unclear if pregnancy augments the risk observed in non-pregnant women [ see Boxed Warning ].

VIRAMUNE XR should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to immediate-release VIRAMUNE and VIRAMUNE XR, an Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling (800) 258-4263.

Animal Data

No observable teratogenicity was detected in reproductive studies performed in pregnant rats and rabbits. The maternal and developmental no-observable-effect level dosages produced systemic exposures approximately equivalent to or approximately 50% higher in rats and rabbits, respectively, than those seen at the recommended daily human dose (based on AUC). In rats, decreased fetal body weights were observed due to administration of a maternally toxic dose (exposures approximately 50% higher than that seen at the recommended human clinical dose).

8.3  Nursing Mothers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1 infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1. Nevirapine is excreted in breast milk. Because of both the potential for HIV-1 transmission and the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are receiving VIRAMUNE XR.

8.4  Pediatric Use

VIRAMUNE XR is indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in children 6 to less than 18 years of age [see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2.3) ].

The use of VIRAMUNE XR for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients 6 to less than 18 years of age is based on pharmacokinetic, safety, and antiviral activity data from an open-label trial with VIRAMUNE XR. The results of this trial were supported by previous demonstration of efficacy in adult patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14.2) ].

VIRAMUNE XR is not recommended for children less than 6 years of age. Trial 1100.1518 did not provide sufficient pharmacokinetic data for children 3 to less than 6 years of age to support the use of VIRAMUNE XR in this age group. Furthermore, VIRAMUNE XR is not recommended for children less than 3 years of age because they are not able to swallow tablets.

8.5  Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of VIRAMUNE XR did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether elderly subjects respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

8.6  Renal Impairment

In subjects with renal impairment (mild, moderate or severe), there were no significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine. Nevirapine is extensively metabolized by the liver and nevirapine metabolites are extensively eliminated by the kidney. Nevirapine metabolites may accumulate in patients receiving dialysis; however, the clinical significance of this accumulation is not known. No adjustment in nevirapine dosing is required in patients with CrCL greater than or equal to 20 mL per min. The pharmacokinetics of nevirapine have not been evaluated in patients with CrCl less than 20 mL per min. In patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, an additional dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE (200 mg) following each dialysis treatment is indicated [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. VIRAMUNE XR has not been studied in patients with renal dysfunction.

8.7  Hepatic Impairment

Because increased nevirapine levels and nevirapine accumulation may be observed in patients with serious liver disease, do not administer nevirapine to patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh Class B or C, respectively) hepatic impairment [ see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. VIRAMUNE XR has not been evaluated in subjects with hepatic impairment.

10  OVERDOSAGE

There is no known antidote for nevirapine overdosage. Cases of immediate-release VIRAMUNE overdose at doses ranging from 800 to 1800 mg per day for up to 15 days have been reported. Patients have experienced events including edema, erythema nodosum, fatigue, fever, headache, insomnia, nausea, pulmonary infiltrates, rash, vertigo, vomiting and weight decrease. All events subsided following discontinuation of immediate-release VIRAMUNE.

11  DESCRIPTION

VIRAMUNE XR is the brand name for nevirapine extended-release tablets. Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). Nevirapine is structurally a member of the dipyridodiazepinone chemical class of compounds.

The chemical name of nevirapine is 11-cyclopropyl-5,11-dihydro-4-methyl-6H-dipyrido [3,2-b:2',3'-e][1,4] diazepin-6-one. Nevirapine is a white to off-white crystalline powder with the molecular weight of 266.30 and the molecular formula C₁₅H₁₄N₄O. Nevirapine has the following structural formula:

VIRAMUNE XR Tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 100 mg or 400 mg of nevirapine and the inactive ingredients lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, iron oxide, and magnesium stearate.

12  CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1  Mechanism of Action

Nevirapine is an antiviral drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ].

12.3  Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and Bioavailability

The single-dose pharmacokinetics of VIRAMUNE XR was studied in 17 healthy volunteers. Nevirapine was absorbed with a median t_max of approximately 24 hrs. The mean C_max and AUC_0-∞ of nevirapine were 2060 ng per mL and 161,000 ng*hr/mL, respectively. The bioavailability of 400 mg of VIRAMUNE XR, relative to 400 mg of immediate-release VIRAMUNE, was approximately 75%.

The multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of VIRAMUNE XR was studied in 24 HIV-1 infected subjects who switched from chronic VIRAMUNE IR to VIRAMUNE XR. The mean nevirapine AUC_0-24,ss and C_min,ss after 19 days of VIRAMUNE XR dosing under fasted conditions were 82,000 ng*hr/mL and 2920 ng per mL, respectively. When VIRAMUNE XR was administered under fed conditions, the mean nevirapine AUC_0-24,ss and C_min,ss were 96,700 ng*hr/mL and 3150 ng per mL, respectively. The bioavailability of 400 mg of VIRAMUNE XR, relative to 400 mg of immediate-release VIRAMUNE, under fasted and fed conditions, was 80% and 94%, respectively. The difference in the bioavailability of nevirapine, when VIRAMUNE XR is dosed under fasted or fed conditions, is not considered clinically relevant. VIRAMUNE XR can be taken with or without food.

In single-dose, parallel-group bioavailability trial (1100.1517) in adults, the VIRAMUNE XR 100 mg tablet exhibited extended-release characteristics of prolonged absorption and lower maximal concentration, as compared to the immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg tablet.

Distribution

Nevirapine is highly lipophilic and is essentially nonionized at physiologic pH. Following intravenous administration to healthy adults, the apparent volume of distribution (Vdss) of nevirapine was 1.21 ± 0.09 L/kg, suggesting that nevirapine is widely distributed in humans. Nevirapine readily crosses the placenta and is also found in breast milk [ see Use In Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Nevirapine is about 60% bound to plasma proteins in the plasma concentration range of 1-10 mcg per mL. Nevirapine concentrations in human cerebrospinal fluid (n=6) were 45% (±5%) of the concentrations in plasma; this ratio is approximately equal to the fraction not bound to plasma protein.

Metabolism/Elimination

In vivo studies in humans and in vitro studies with human liver microsomes have shown that nevirapine is extensively biotransformed via cytochrome P450 (oxidative) metabolism to several hydroxylated metabolites. In vitro studies with human liver microsomes suggest that oxidative metabolism of nevirapine is mediated primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes from the CYP3A and CYP2B6 families, although other isozymes may have a secondary role. In a mass balance/excretion trial in eight healthy male volunteers dosed to steady state with immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg given twice daily followed by a single 50 mg dose of ¹⁴C-nevirapine, approximately 91.4 ± 10.5% of the radiolabeled dose was recovered, with urine (81.3 ± 11.1%) representing the primary route of excretion compared to feces (10.1 ± 1.5%). Greater than 80% of the radioactivity in urine was made up of glucuronide conjugates of hydroxylated metabolites. Thus cytochrome P450 metabolism, glucuronide conjugation, and urinary excretion of glucuronidated metabolites represent the primary route of nevirapine biotransformation and elimination in humans. Only a small fraction (less than 5%) of the radioactivity in urine (representing less than 3% of the total dose) was made up of parent compound; therefore, renal excretion plays a minor role in elimination of the parent compound.

Nevirapine is an inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolic enzymes 3A and 2B6. Nevirapine induces CYP3A and CYP2B6 by approximately 20-25%, as indicated by erythromycin breath test results and urine metabolites. Autoinduction of CYP3A and CYP2B6 mediated metabolism leads to an approximately 1.5- to 2-fold increase in the apparent oral clearance of nevirapine as treatment continues from a single dose to two-to-four weeks of dosing with 200-400 mg per day of immediate-release VIRAMUNE. Autoinduction also results in a corresponding decrease in the terminal phase half-life of nevirapine in plasma, from approximately 45 hours (single dose) to approximately 25-30 hours following multiple dosing with 200-400 mg per day.

Renal Impairment

HIV-1 seronegative adults with mild (CrCL 50-79 mL per min; n=7), moderate (CrCL 30-49 mL per min; n=6), or severe (CrCL less than 30 mL per min; n=4) renal impairment received a single 200 mg dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE in a pharmacokinetic trial. These subjects did not require dialysis. The trial included six additional subjects with renal failure requiring dialysis.

In subjects with renal impairment (mild, moderate or severe), there were no significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine. However, subjects requiring dialysis exhibited a 44% reduction in nevirapine AUC over a one-week exposure period. There was also evidence of accumulation of nevirapine hydroxy-metabolites in plasma in subjects requiring dialysis. An additional 200 mg dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE following each dialysis treatment is indicated [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]. VIRAMUNE XR has not been studied in patients with renal dysfunction.

Hepatic Impairment

In a steady-state trial comparing 46 subjects with mild (n=17; expansion of some portal areas; Ishak Score 1-2), moderate (n=20; expansion of most portal areas with occasional portal-to-portal and portal-to-central bridging; Ishak Score 3-4), or severe (n=9; marked bridging with occasional cirrhosis without decompensation indicating Child-Pugh A; Ishak Score 5-6) fibrosis as a measure of hepatic impairment, the multiple dose pharmacokinetic disposition of nevirapine and its five oxidative metabolites were not altered. However, approximately 15% of these subjects with hepatic fibrosis had nevirapine trough concentrations above 9,000 mcg per mL (2-fold the usual mean trough). Therefore, patients with hepatic impairment should be monitored carefully for evidence of drug-induced toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. The subjects studied were receiving antiretroviral therapy containing immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily for at least 6 weeks prior to pharmacokinetic sampling, with a median duration of therapy of 3.4 years.

In a pharmacokinetic trial where HIV-1 negative cirrhotic subjects with mild (Child-Pugh A; n=6) or moderate (Child-Pugh B; n=4) hepatic impairment received a single 200 mg dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE, a significant increase in the AUC of nevirapine was observed in one subject with Child-Pugh B and ascites suggesting that patients with worsening hepatic function and ascites may be at risk of accumulating nevirapine in the systemic circulation. Because nevirapine induces its own metabolism with multiple dosing, this single-dose trial may not reflect the impact of hepatic impairment on multiple-dose pharmacokinetics.

Do not administer nevirapine to patients with moderate or severe (Child-Pugh Class B or C, respectively) hepatic impairment [ see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ]. VIRAMUNE XR has not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment.

Gender

In the multinational 2NN trial of immediate-release VIRAMUNE, a population pharmacokinetic substudy of 1077 subjects was performed that included 391 females. Female subjects showed a 13.8% lower clearance of nevirapine than did men. Since neither body weight nor Body Mass Index (BMI) had an influence on the clearance of nevirapine, the effect of gender cannot solely be explained by body size.

The effects of gender on the pharmacokinetics of VIRAMUNE XR have been investigated in Trial 1100.1486. Female subjects tend to have higher (approximately 20 - 30%) trough concentrations in both VIRAMUNE XR and immediate-release VIRAMUNE treatment groups.

Race

An evaluation of nevirapine plasma concentrations (pooled data from several clinical trials) from HIV-1-infected subjects (27 Black, 24 Hispanic, 189 Caucasian) revealed no marked difference in nevirapine steady-state trough concentrations (median C_minss = 4.7 mcg per mL Black, 3.8 mcg per mL Hispanic, 4.3 mcg per mL Caucasian) with long-term treatment with immediate-release VIRAMUNE at 400 mg per day. However, the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine have not been evaluated specifically for the effects of ethnicity.

Black subjects (n=80/group) in Trial 1100.1486 showed approximately 30 to 35% higher trough concentrations than Caucasian subjects (250-325 subjects/group) in both immediate-release VIRAMUNE and VIRAMUNE XR treatment groups over 96 weeks of treatment at 400 mg per day.

Geriatric Patients

Nevirapine pharmacokinetics in HIV-1-infected adults do not appear to change with age (range 18–68 years); however, nevirapine has not been extensively evaluated in patients beyond the age of 65 years [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ].

Pediatric Patients

The pharmacokinetics of VIRAMUNE XR were assessed in HIV-1 infected children 3 to less than 18 years of age. Children enrolled received weight or body surface area dose-adjusted immediate-release VIRAMUNE in combination with other antiretrovirals for a minimum of 18 weeks and then were switched to VIRAMUNE XR tablets in combination with other antiretrovirals for 10 days, after which steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters were determined.

Overall, the mean systemic nevirapine exposures in children 6 to less than 18 years of age following administration of VIRAMUNE XR and immediate-release VIRAMUNE were similar. Based on intensive PK data (N=17), the observed geometric mean ratios of VIRAMUNE XR to immediate-release VIRAMUNE were approximately 97% for C_min,ss and 94% for AUC_ss with 90% confidence intervals within 80% - 125%; the ratio for C_max,ss was lower and consistent with a once daily extended-release dosage form.

Trial 1100.1518 did not provide sufficient pharmacokinetic data for children 3 to less than 6 years of age to support the use of VIRAMUNE XR in this age group.

Drug Interactions [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]

Nevirapine induces hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolic isoenzymes 3A and 2B6. Co-administration of VIRAMUNE XR and drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A or CYP2B6 may result in decreased plasma concentrations of these drugs and attenuate their therapeutic effects.

While primarily an inducer of cytochrome P450 3A and 2B6 enzymes, nevirapine may also inhibit this system. Among human hepatic cytochrome P450s, nevirapine was capable in vitro of inhibiting the 10-hydroxylation of (R)-warfarin (CYP3A). The estimated K_i for the inhibition of CYP3A was 270 micromolar, a concentration that is unlikely to be achieved in patients as the therapeutic range is less than 25 micromolar. Therefore, nevirapine may have minimal inhibitory effect on other substrates of CYP3A.

Nevirapine does not appear to affect the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of other CYP450 enzyme systems, such as 1A2, 2D6, 2A6, 2E1, 2C9, or 2C19.

Table 5 (see below) contains the results of drug interaction trials performed with immediate-release VIRAMUNE and other drugs likely to be co-administered. The effects of nevirapine on the AUC, C_max, and C_min of co-administered drugs are summarized. Results of drug interaction studies with immediate-release VIRAMUNE are expected to also apply to VIRAMUNE XR.

Because of the design of the drug interaction trials (addition of 28 days of VIRAMUNE therapy to existing HIV-1 therapy), the effect of the concomitant drug on plasma nevirapine steady-state concentrations was estimated by comparison to historical controls.

Administration of rifampin had a clinically significant effect on nevirapine pharmacokinetics, decreasing AUC and C_max by greater than 50%. Administration of fluconazole resulted in an approximate 100% increase in nevirapine exposure, based on a comparison to historic data [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. The effect of other drugs listed in Table 5 on nevirapine pharmacokinetics was not significant. No significant interaction was observed when tipranavir was co-administered with low-dose ritonavir and nevirapine.

12.4  Microbiology

Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) of HIV-1. Nevirapine binds directly to reverse transcriptase (RT) and blocks the RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities by causing a disruption of the enzyme's catalytic site. The activity of nevirapine does not compete with template or nucleoside triphosphates. HIV-2 RT and eukaryotic DNA polymerases (such as human DNA polymerases α, β, γ, or δ) are not inhibited by nevirapine.

The antiviral activity of nevirapine has been measured in a variety of cell lines including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, and lymphoblastoid cell lines. In an assay using human embryonic kidney 293 cells, the median EC₅₀ value (50% inhibitory concentration) of nevirapine was 90 nM against a panel of 2923 wild-type isolates of HIV-1 that were primarily (93%) clade B clinical isolates from the United States. The 99^th percentile EC₅₀ value was 470 nM in this trial. The median EC₅₀ value was 63 nM (range 14-302 nM, n=29) against clinical isolates of HIV-1 clades A, B, C, D, F, G, and H, and circulating recombinant forms CRF01_AE, CRF02_AG and CRF12_BF. Nevirapine had no antiviral activity in cell culture against group O HIV-1 isolates (n=3) or HIV-2 isolates (n=3) replicating in cord blood mononuclear cells. Nevirapine in combination with efavirenz exhibited strong antagonistic anti-HIV-1 activity in cell culture and was additive to antagonistic with the protease inhibitor ritonavir or the fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide. Nevirapine exhibited additive to synergistic anti-HIV-1 activity in combination with the protease inhibitors amprenavir, atazanavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir and tipranavir, and the NRTIs abacavir, didanosine, emtricitabine, lamivudine, stavudine, tenofovir and zidovudine. The anti-HIV-1 activity of nevirapine was antagonized by the anti-HBV drug adefovir and by the anti-HCV drug ribavirin in cell culture.

HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility (100- to 250-fold) to nevirapine emerge in cell culture. Genotypic analysis showed mutations in the HIV-1 RT gene encoding Y181C and/or V106A substitutions depending upon the virus strain and cell line employed. Time to emergence of nevirapine resistance in cell culture was not altered when selection included nevirapine in combination with several other NNRTIs.

Phenotypic and genotypic changes in HIV-1 isolates from treatment-naïve subjects receiving either nevirapine (n=24) or nevirapine and zidovudine (n=14) were monitored in Phase 1 and 2 trials ranging from 1 to 12 weeks or longer. After 1 week of nevirapine monotherapy, isolates from 3/3 subjects had decreased susceptibility to nevirapine in cell culture. One or more of the RT mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions K103N, V106A, V108I, Y181C, Y188C, and G190A were detected in HIV-1 isolates from some subjects as early as 2 weeks after therapy initiation. By week eight of nevirapine monotherapy, 100% of the subjects tested (n=24) had HIV-1 isolates with a greater than 100-fold decrease in susceptibility to nevirapine in cell culture compared to baseline, and had one or more of the nevirapine-associated RT resistance substitutions. Nineteen of these subjects (80%) had isolates with Y181C substitutions regardless of dose.

Genotypic analysis of isolates from antiretroviral-naïve subjects experiencing virologic failure (n=71) receiving nevirapine once daily (n=25) or twice daily (n=46) in combination with lamivudine and stavudine (trial 2NN) for 48 weeks showed that isolates from 8/25 and 23/46 subjects, respectively, contained one or more of the following NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions: Y181C, K101E, G190A/S, K103N, V106A/M, V108I, Y188C/L, A98G, F227L, and M230L.

For trial 1100.1486, genotypic analysis was performed for baseline and on-therapy isolates from 23 and 34 subjects who experienced virologic failure in the VIRAMUNE XR and immediate-release VIRAMUNE treatment group, respectively. Nevirapine resistance-associated substitutions developed in the on-therapy isolates of 78% (18/23) of the subjects who had virologic failures in the VIRAMUNE XR treatment group and 88% (30/34) of the subjects in the immediate-release VIRAMUNE treatment group, respectively. The Y181C nevirapine resistance-associated substitution was found alone or in combination with other nevirapine resistance-associated substitutions (K101E, K103N, V106A, V108I, V179D/E/I, Y188 C/F/H/L/N, G190A, P225H, F227L, M230L) in isolates from 14 subjects failing VIRAMUNE XR treatment and 25 subjects failing immediate-release VIRAMUNE treatment. On-therapy isolates from 1 subject in VIRAMUNE XR treatment group developed a novel amino acid substitution Y181I and isolates from another subject in the immediate-release VIRAMUNE treatment group developed a novel amino acid substitution Y188N. Phenotypic analysis showed that Y188N and Y181I substitutions conferred 103- and 22-fold reductions in susceptibility to nevirapine, respectively.

Rapid emergence of HIV-1 strains which are cross-resistant to NNRTIs has been observed in cell culture. Nevirapine-resistant HIV-1 isolates were cross-resistant to the NNRTIs delavirdine, efavirenz, and etravirine. The Y188N conferred 22- and 7-fold reductions in susceptibility to delavirdine and efavirenz, respectively, but showed no decrease in susceptibility to etravirine. Similarly, the Y181I substitution reduced susceptibility to delavirdine and etravirine 3- and 8-fold, respectively, but did not reduce susceptibility to efavirenz. However, nevirapine-resistant isolates were susceptible to the NRTIs ddI and ZDV. Similarly, ZDV-resistant isolates were susceptible to nevirapine in cell culture.

13  NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1  Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis
Long-term carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats were carried out with nevirapine. Mice were dosed with 0, 50, 375 or 750 mg/kg/day for two years. Hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas were increased at all doses in males and at the two high doses in females. In studies in which rats were administered nevirapine at doses of 0, 3.5, 17.5 or 35 mg/kg/day for two years, an increase in hepatocellular adenomas was seen in males at all doses and in females at the high dose. The systemic exposure (based on AUCs) at all doses in the two animal studies was lower than that measured in humans at the 200 mg twice daily dose of immediate-release VIRAMUNE. The mechanism of the carcinogenic potential is unknown. However, in genetic toxicology assays, nevirapine showed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic activity in a battery of in vitro and in vivo studies. These included microbial assays for gene mutation (Ames: Salmonella strains and E. coli ), mammalian cell gene mutation assay (CHO/HGPRT), cytogenetic assays using a Chinese hamster ovary cell line and a mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay following oral administration. Given the lack of genotoxic activity of nevirapine, the relevance to humans of hepatocellular neoplasms in nevirapine-treated mice and rats is not known. In reproductive toxicology studies, evidence of impaired fertility was seen in female rats at doses providing systemic exposure, based on AUC, approximately equivalent to that provided with the recommended clinical dose.

Mutagenesis
However, in genetic toxicology assays, nevirapine showed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic activity in a battery of in vitro and in vivo studies. These included microbial assays for gene mutation (Ames: Salmonella strains and E. coli), mammalian cell gene mutation assay (CHO/HGPRT), cytogenetic assays using a Chinese hamster ovary cell line and a mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay following oral administration. Given the lack of genotoxic activity of nevirapine, the relevance to humans of hepatocellular neoplasms in nevirapine-treated mice and rats is not known.

Impairment of Fertility
In reproductive toxicology studies, evidence of impaired fertility was seen in female rats at doses providing systemic exposure, based on AUC, approximately equivalent to that provided with the recommended clinical dose.

13.2  Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Animal studies have shown that nevirapine is widely distributed to nearly all tissues and readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.

14  CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1  Adult Patients

The clinical efficacy of VIRAMUNE XR is based on 96-week data from an ongoing, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy Phase 3 trial (Trial 1100.1486, VERxVE) in treatment-naïve subjects and on 48-week data in an ongoing, randomized, open-label trial in subjects who switched from immediate-release VIRAMUNE tablets administered twice daily to VIRAMUNE XR tablets administered once daily (Trial 1100.1526, TRANxITION).

Trial 1100.1486 (VERxVE) is a Phase 3 trial in which treatment-naïve subjects received immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg once daily for 14 days and then were randomized to receive either immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily or VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily. All subjects received tenofovir + emtricitabine as background therapy. Randomization was stratified by screening HIV-1 RNA level (less than or equal to 100,000 copies per mL and greater than 100,000 copies per mL). Subject demographic and baseline disease characteristics were balanced between the two treatment groups. With respect to demographics: 85% of the subjects were male, 75% were white, 20% were black, and approximately 29% were from North America. With respect to baseline disease characteristics: mean viral load was 4.7 log₁₀ copies per mL, mean CD4⁺ cell count was 228 cells/mm³ and 73% of subjects had clade B HIV-1 subtype. Approximately two-thirds of the subjects had a baseline HIV-RNA level of less than or equal to 100,000 copies per mL.

Table 6 describes week 96 outcomes in the Trial 1100.1486 (VERxVE). These outcomes include all subjects who were randomized after the 14 day lead-in with immediate-release VIRAMUNE and received at least one dose of blinded study medication.

At 96 weeks, mean change from baseline in CD4⁺ cell count adjusting for baseline HIV-1 viral load stratum was 222 cells/mm³ and 244 cells/mm³ for the groups receiving immediate-release VIRAMUNE and VIRAMUNE XR, respectively.

Trial 1100.1526 (TRANxITION) is a Phase 3 trial to evaluate safety and antiviral activity of switching from immediate-release VIRAMUNE to VIRAMUNE XR. In this open-label trial, 443 subjects already on an antiviral regimen containing immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily with HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily or immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily. Approximately half of the subjects had tenofovir+emtricitabine as their background therapy, with the remaining subjects receiving abacavir sulfate+lamivudine or zidovudine+lamivudine. Approximately half of the subjects had at least 3 years of exposure to immediate-release VIRAMUNE prior to entering the trial.

At 48 weeks after randomization in Trial 1100.1526, 91% of subjects receiving immediate-release VIRAMUNE 200 mg twice daily and 93% of subjects receiving VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg once daily continued to have HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL.

14.2 Pediatric Patients

Trial 1100.1518 was an open-label, multiple-dose, non-randomized, crossover trial performed in 85 HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects 3 to less than 18 years of age who had received at least 18 weeks of immediate-release VIRAMUNE and had plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL prior to trial enrollment. Subjects were stratified according to age (3 to less than 6 years, 6 to less than 12 years, and 12 to less than 18 years). Following a 10-day period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, subjects were treated with VIRAMUNE XR tablets once daily in combination with other antiretrovirals for 10 days, after which steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Forty of the 80 subjects who completed the initial part of the study were enrolled in an optional extension phase of the trial which evaluated the safety and antiviral activity of VIRAMUNE XR through a minimum of 24 weeks of treatment. Zidovudine or stavudine plus lamivudine were the most commonly used background therapies in subjects who entered the optional extension phase.

Baseline demographics included: 55% of the subjects were female, 93% were black, 7% were white, and approximately 84% were from Africa. Subjects had a median baseline CD4⁺ cell count of 925 cells/mm³ (range 207 to 2057 cells/mm³).

Of the 40 subjects who entered the treatment extension phase, 39 completed at least 24 weeks of treatment and one subject discontinued prematurely due to an adverse reaction. After 24 weeks or more of treatment with VIRAMUNE XR, all 39 subjects continued to have plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL. Median CD4⁺ cell counts for the 3 to less than 6 year, 6 to less than 12 year, and 12 to less than 18 year age groups were 1113 cells/mm³, 853 cells/mm³, and 682 cells/mm³, respectively. These CD4⁺ cell counts were similar to those observed at baseline.

16  HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

VIRAMUNE XR tablets, 400 mg, are yellow, oval, biconvex tablets, debossed with "V04" on one side and the Boehringer Ingelheim logo on the other side.

VIRAMUNE XR 400 mg tablets are supplied in bottles of 30 (NDC 54868-6370-0).

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in a safe place out of the reach of children.

17  PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

17.1  Hepatotoxicity and Skin Reactions

Inform patients of the possibility of severe liver disease or skin reactions associated with nevirapine that may result in death. Instruct patients developing signs or symptoms of liver disease or severe skin reactions to discontinue nevirapine and seek medical attention immediately, including performance of laboratory monitoring. Symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, acholic stools, liver tenderness or hepatomegaly. Symptoms of severe skin or hypersensitivity reactions include rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, and/or hepatitis.

Intensive clinical and laboratory monitoring, including liver enzymes, is essential during the first 18 weeks of therapy with nevirapine to detect potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity and skin reactions. However, liver disease can occur after this period; therefore, monitoring should continue at frequent intervals throughout nevirapine treatment. Extra vigilance is warranted during the first 6 weeks of therapy, which is the period of greatest risk of hepatic events and skin reactions. Advise patients with signs and symptoms of hepatitis to discontinue nevirapine and seek medical evaluation immediately. If nevirapine is discontinued due to hepatotoxicity, do not restart it. Patients, particularly women, with increased CD4⁺ cell count at initiation of nevirapine therapy (greater than 250 cells/mm³ in women and greater than 400 cells/mm³ in men) are at substantially higher risk for development of symptomatic hepatic events, often associated with rash. Advise patients that co-infection with hepatitis B or C and/or increased transaminases at the start of therapy with nevirapine are associated with a greater risk of later symptomatic events (6 weeks or more after starting nevirapine) and asymptomatic increases in AST or ALT [ see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

The majority of rashes associated with nevirapine occur within the first 6 weeks of initiation of therapy. Instruct patients that if any rash occurs during the two-week lead-in period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE, do not initiate VIRAMUNE XR until the rash resolves. The total duration of the lead-in dosing period with immediate-release VIRAMUNE should not exceed 28 days, at which point an alternative regimen may need to be started. Any patient experiencing a rash should have their liver enzymes (AST, ALT) evaluated immediately. Patients with severe rash or hypersensitivity reactions should discontinue nevirapine immediately and consult a physician. Nevirapine should not be restarted following severe skin rash or hypersensitivity reaction. Women tend to be at higher risk for development of nevirapine-associated rash. For patients who interrupt VIRAMUNE XR dosing for more than 7 days and for whom restarting nevirapine therapy is not contraindicated, restart the recommended lead-in dosing with immediate-release VIRAMUNE using one 200 mg tablet daily (150 mg/m²/day in pediatric patients) for the first 14 days [ see Boxed Warning, Dosage and Administration (2.5), and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

17.2  Administration

Inform patients to take VIRAMUNE XR every day as prescribed. Patients should not alter the dose without consulting their doctor. If a dose is missed, patients should take the next dose as soon as possible. However, if a dose is skipped, the patient should not double the next dose. Advise patients to report to their doctor the use of any other medications.

Instruct patients to swallow VIRAMUNE XR tablets whole. They must not be chewed, crushed, or divided.

VIRAMUNE XR is not a cure for HIV-1 infection; patients may continue to experience illnesses associated with advanced HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. Advise patients to remain under the care of a physician when using VIRAMUNE XR.

Patients should be told that sustained decreases in plasma HIV RNA have been associated with a reduced risk of progression to AIDS and death.

Patients should be advised to avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others:

• Do not share needles or other injection equipment.
• Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.
• Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
• Do not breastfeed. We do not know if VIRAMUNE XR can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk.

Inform patients that they may occasionally see soft remnants of VIRAMUNE XR in their stool. These occurrences have not been shown to affect drug levels or response.

17.3  Drug Interactions

VIRAMUNE XR may interact with some drugs; therefore, patients should be advised to report to their doctor the use of any other prescription, non-prescription medication or herbal products, particularly St. John's wort [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7) ].

17.4  Contraceptives

Hormonal methods of birth control, other than depomedroxy-progesterone acetate (DMPA), should not be used as the sole method of contraception in women taking VIRAMUNE XR, since VIRAMUNE XR may lower the plasma levels of these medications. Additionally, when oral contraceptives are used for hormonal regulation during VIRAMUNE XR therapy, the therapeutic effect of the hormonal therapy should be monitored [ see Drug Interactions (7) ].

17.5  Methadone

VIRAMUNE XR may decrease plasma concentrations of methadone by increasing its hepatic metabolism. Narcotic withdrawal syndrome has been reported in patients treated with nevirapine and methadone concomitantly. Monitor methadone-maintained patients beginning nevirapine therapy for evidence of withdrawal and adjust methadone dose accordingly [ see Drug Interactions (7) ].

17.6  Fat Redistribution

Inform patients that redistribution or accumulation of body fat may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy and that the cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ].

Distributed by:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA

Copyright 2012 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

IT5243GK142012
10006580/04

Distributed by:
Physicians Total Care, Inc.
Tulsa, OK       74146

MEDICATION GUIDE

VIRAMUNE^® (VIH-rah-mune)
(nevirapine)
Tablets

VIRAMUNE^® (VIH-rah-mune)
(nevirapine)
Oral Suspension

VIRAMUNE XR^® (VIH-rah-mune)
(nevirapine)
Extended-Release Tablets

Read this Medication Guide before you start taking VIRAMUNE and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about VIRAMUNE?

•   VIRAMUNE can cause serious side effects. These include severe liver and skin problems that can cause death. These problems can happen at any time during treatment, but your risk is higher during the first 18 weeks of treatment.
  
  
  • Severe liver problems: Anyone who takes VIRAMUNE may get severe liver problems. In some cases these liver problems can lead to liver failure and the need for a liver transplant, or death.
    
    People who have a higher CD4⁺ cell count when they begin VIRAMUNE treatment have a higher risk of liver problems, especially:
    • Women with CD4⁺ counts higher than 250 cells/mm³. This group has the highest risk.
    • Men with CD4⁺ counts higher than 400 cells/mm³.
      
      If you are a woman with CD4⁺ counts higher than 250 cells/mm³ or a man with CD4⁺ counts higher than 400 cells/mm³, you and your doctor will decide whether starting VIRAMUNE is right for you.
      
      In general, women have a higher risk of liver problems compared to men.
      
      People who have abnormal liver test results before starting VIRAMUNE treatment and people with hepatitis B or C also have a greater chance of getting liver problems.
      
      You may get a rash if you have liver problems.
      
      
    Stop taking VIRAMUNE and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems:
    • dark (tea colored) urine
    • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
    • light-colored bowel movements (stools)
    • fever
    • nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
    • feel unwell or like you have the flu
    • pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs
    • tiredness
    • loss of appetite
      
      Your doctor should see you and do blood tests often to check your liver function during the first 18 weeks of treatment with VIRAMUNE. You should continue to have your liver checked regularly during your treatment with VIRAMUNE. It is important for you to keep all of your doctor appointments.
      
      
  • Severe rash and skin reactions: Skin rash is the most common side effect of VIRAMUNE. Most rashes happen in the first 6 weeks of taking VIRAMUNE. Rashes and skin reactions may be severe, life-threatening, and in some people, may lead to death. Stop using VIRAMUNE and call your doctor right away if you get a rash with any of the following symptoms:
    • blisters
    • mouth sores
    • red or inflamed eyes, like "pink eye" (conjunctivitis)
    • liver problems (see symptoms of liver problems above)
    • swelling of your face
    • fever
    • feel unwell or like you have the flu
    • tiredness
    • muscle or joint aches
    
    If your doctor tells you to stop treatment with VIRAMUNE because you have had any of the serious liver or skin problems described above, you should never take VIRAMUNE again.
    
    See the section " What are the possible side effects of VIRAMUNE? " for more information.

What is VIRAMUNE?

• VIRAMUNE tablets and VIRAMUNE oral solution are prescription HIV medicines used with other HIV medicines to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
• VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets are a prescription medicine used with other HIV medicines to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in adults and in children who are 6 years of age to less than 18 years of age.
• VIRAMUNE and VIRAMUNE XR are a type of HIV medicine called a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).

VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets are not for use in children less than 6 years of age.

When used with other HIV medicines, VIRAMUNE may:

• Reduce the amount of HIV in your blood (called “viral load”)
• Help increase the number of CD4 (T) cells in your blood which help fight off other infections.

Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4 (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).

VIRAMUNE does not cure HIV infection or AIDS.
VIRAMUNE does not cure HIV or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using VIRAMUNE.

• You must stay on continuous HIV therapy to control HIV infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.
  
  Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others:
  • Do not share needles or other injection equipment.
  • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.
  • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
    
    
• Ask your doctor if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people.

Who should not take VIRAMUNE?

•  Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver problems. Your doctor may tell you not to take VIRAMUNE if you have certain liver problems.
  
  
•  VIRAMUNE is only for people diagnosed with HIV. If you have not been diagnosed as HIV positive, then do not take VIRAMUNE.

What should I tell my doctor before taking VIRAMUNE?

•   Before you take VIRAMUNE, tell your doctor if you:
  • have or have had hepatitis (inflammation of your liver) or problems with your liver. See "What is the most important information I should know about VIRAMUNE?" and "Who should not take VIRAMUNE?"
  • receive dialysis
  • have skin problems, such as a rash
  • or your child has trouble swallowing pills
  • have any other medical conditions
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if VIRAMUNE will harm your unborn baby.
    Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your doctor about how you can take part in this registry.
  • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. VIRAMUNE can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. Do not breast-feed during treatment with VIRAMUNE. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
    
    
•   Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. VIRAMUNE may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VIRAMUNE works.
  
  •  You should not take VIRAMUNE if you also take:
    
    
    • St. John's Wort.  St. John's Wort can lower the amount of VIRAMUNE in your body.
    • efavirenz (Sustiva^®, Atripla^®) , etravirine (Intelence^®), rilpivirine (Edurant^® Complera^®), or delavirdine (Rescriptor^®).
    • atazanavir (Reyataz^®)
    • lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra^®) once daily
    • fosamprenavir calcium (Lexiva^®) without ritonavir (Norvir^®)
    • itraconazole (Sporanox^®)
    • ketoconazole (Nizoral^®)
    • rifampin (Rifadin^®, Rifamate^®, Rifater^®)
    • Birth control pills. Birth control pills taken by mouth (oral contraceptives) and other hormone types of birth control may not work to prevent pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about other types of birth control that you can use to prevent pregnancy during treatment with VIRAMUNE.
  •  Also tell your doctor if you take:
    
    
    • clarithromycin (Biaxin^®)
    • fluconazole (Diflucan^®)
    • indinavir sulfate (Crixivan^®)
    • methadone
    • nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept^®)
    • rifabutin (Mycobutin^®)
    • warfarin (Coumadin^®, Jantoven^®)
    • saquinavir mesylate (Invirase^®)
    • amiodarone, disopyramide (Norpace^®), lidocaine
    • carbamazepine, clonazepam (Klonopin^®), ethosuximide (Zarontin^®)
    • diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
    • cyclophosphamide
    • ergotamine
    • cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus (Rapamune^®)
    • cisapride (Propulsid^®)
    • fentanyl
•   If you are not sure if you take a medicine above, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  
•  Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take VIRAMUNE?

• VIRAMUNE is always taken in combination with other anti-HIV medications.
• VIRAMUNE comes in 3 different forms. Your doctor will prescribe the form of VIRAMUNE that is right for you.
  • VIRAMUNE tablets
  • VIRAMUNE oral suspension
  • VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets
• Take VIRAMUNE exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
• You should never take more than one form of VIRAMUNE at the same time. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
• If your child is prescribed VIRAMUNE, your child’s doctor will tell you exactly how VIRAMUNE should be taken.
• Swallow VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or divide VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets.
• Do not crush or chew VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets.
• You may take VIRAMUNE with or without food.
• Do not miss a dose of VIRAMUNE. If you miss a dose of VIRAMUNE, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose, just take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
• If you stop taking VIRAMUNE for more than 7 days, ask your doctor how much to take before you start taking it again. You may need to begin taking the VIRAMUNE starting dose again, which is taken 1 time each day for 14 days.

Starting VIRAMUNE tablets:
• Your doctor should start you with 1 dose each day to lower your chance of getting a serious rash. It is important that you only take 1 dose of VIRAMUNE each day for the first 14 days.
  • Call your doctor right away if you get a skin rash during the first 14 days of VIRAMUNE treatment.
  • Do not increase your dose to 2 times a day if you have a rash.
  • You should never take your starting dose for longer than 28 days. If after 28 days you are still receiving this starting dose because you have a rash, you and your doctor should talk about prescribing another HIV medicine for you instead of VIRAMUNE.
• Day 15, you will take 1 VIRAMUNE tablet two times a day.

Starting VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets when this is the first time you are taking any form of VIRAMUNE:
• Your doctor should start you with 1 dose of VIRAMUNE tablets or oral suspension each day to lower your chance of getting a serious rash. It is important that you only take 1 dose of VIRAMUNE each day for the first 14 days.
  • Call your doctor right away if you get a skin rash during the first 14 days of VIRAMUNE treatment.
  • You should never take your starting dose for longer than 28 days. If after 28 days you are still receiving this starting dose because you have a rash, you and your doctor should talk about prescribing another HIV medicine for you instead of VIRAMUNE.
  • Do not start VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets if you have a rash.
• Day 15, take VIRAMUNE XR 1 time a day as prescribed by your doctor.

Switching from VIRAMUNE tablets or oral suspension to VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets:
• Take VIRAMUNE XR 1 time a day as prescribed by your doctor.

You may sometimes pass a soft mass in your stools (bowel movement) that looks like your VIRAMUNE XR extended-release tablets. This will not affect the way your medicine works.

If you take VIRAMUNE Oral Suspension:
• If you or your child takes VIRAMUNE suspension (liquid), shake it gently before each use. Use an oral dosing syringe or dosing cup to measure the right dose. The oral dosing syringe and dosing cup are not provided with VIRAMUNE Suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a syringe or cup if you do not have one.
• After drinking the medicine, fill the dosing cup with water and drink it to make sure you get all the medicine.
• If the dose is less than 1 teaspoon (5 mL), use the syringe instead of the dosing cup.

What are the possible side effects of VIRAMUNE?

•  VIRAMUNE may cause serious side effects, including:
  • See " What is the most important information I should know about VIRAMUNE? "
    • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your doctor if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine.
    • Changes in body fat can happen in some people who take antiretroviral therapy. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck ("buffalo hump"), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from your legs, arms, and face can also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these problems are not known at this time.

•  The most common side effect of VIRAMUNE is rash.
•  Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
  
  
•  These are not all the possible side effects of VIRAMUNE. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  
•  Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store VIRAMUNE?

• Store VIRAMUNE at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
• Throw away VIRAMUNE that is no longer needed or out-of-date.
  
  

Keep VIRAMUNE and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about VIRAMUNE.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use VIRAMUNE for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VIRAMUNE to other people, even if they have the same condition you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about VIRAMUNE. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about VIRAMUNE that is written for health professionals.

For more information, go to www.viramune.com or www.viramunexr.com or call Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1-800-542-6257, or (TTY) 1-800-459-9906.

What are the ingredients in VIRAMUNE?

•  Active ingredient: nevirapine
  Inactive ingredients:
  VIRAMUNE Tablets: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate
  VIRAMUNE Oral Suspension: carbomer 934P, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide, and purified water
  VIRAMUNE XR Tablets: lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, iron oxide, and magnesium stearate

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Distributed by:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA

Revised: November 2012

The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or its products.

Copyright 2012 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

IT5243GK142012
10006580/04

VIRAMUNE XR tablets, 400 mg