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Rilpivirine (By mouth)

Rilpivirine Hydrochloride (ril-pi-VIR-een hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rilpivirine.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take this medicine with a meal. A protein drink alone does not replace a meal.
Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in the correct order. Do not change your dose or stop using any of your medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If it is within 12 hours of your regular time, take a dose with a meal as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Do not use this medicine if you are also using dexamethasone, St John's wort, medicine to treat tuberculosis (including rifampin, rifapentine), seizure medicine (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), or stomach medicine (including esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole).
Many other drugs can affect how rilpivirine works. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.
Take didanosine on an empty stomach and at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take rilpivirine.
Take antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take rilpivirine.
Take medicine for heartburn or ulcers (including cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine) at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after you take rilpivirine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), or a history of depression.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Serious skin reactions
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs including the liver, kidney, or heart
- Liver problems
- Changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts or attempts of suicide
Your immune system may get stronger when you start using HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Depression, unusual changes in behaviors or moods, thoughts or attempts of hurting yourself
Fever, swollen glands in your armpits, neck, or groin, mouth sores, redness or swelling around your eye

Last Updated: 12/4/2023