Why is this medication prescribed?

Doravirine is a medication used in the treatment of HIV infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), which work by blocking the action of the enzyme reverse transcriptase, thus preventing the HIV virus from multiplying in the body.

Doravirine is often prescribed as part of a combination therapy regimen along with other antiretroviral medications to effectively manage HIV infection and reduce the viral load in the bloodstream, improving immune function and reducing the risk of developing AIDS-related complications.

How should this medicine be used?

Doravirine is typically prescribed as a tablet to be taken orally, usually once daily. Here’s a general guide on how to use doravirine:

• Dosage: Take doravirine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The typical dosage is one tablet (100 mg) once daily.
• Timing: You can take doravirine with or without food. Choose a time that is convenient for you, and try to take it around the same time every day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your bloodstream.
• Swallowing: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect the way the medication is absorbed by your body.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of doravirine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Follow-up: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider while taking doravirine to monitor your progress and any potential side effects. Your provider may also perform blood tests to check your viral load and immune function.
• Other Medications: If you are taking other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, inform your healthcare provider to avoid any potential interactions with doravirine.
• Storage: Store doravirine tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original packaging and out of reach of children.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about how to use doravirine properly. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and individual needs.

Other uses for this medicine

Here are some potential off-label uses of doravirine:

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): There may be ongoing research or clinical trials investigating the use of doravirine as part of PrEP strategies to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Doravirine may be considered in certain cases as part of PEP regimens to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure, such as through sexual contact or needle sharing.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for using doravirine:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Doravirine may pass into breast milk, and the potential risks to the infant are not well understood.
• Liver Function: Doravirine can affect liver function, so your healthcare provider may monitor your liver enzymes regularly, especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions.
• Drug Interactions: Doravirine may interact with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Allergies: If you have a known allergy to doravirine or any of its components, inform your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
• Resistance: Taking doravirine inconsistently or skipping doses can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of HIV. It’s essential to take doravirine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Side Effects: Like any medication, doravirine can cause side effects. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about using doravirine. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and individual needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with doravirine. You can take doravirine with or without food, according to your preference.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of doravirine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Doravirine, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects of doravirine may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Abnormal dreams
• Dizziness
• Rash

These side effects are typically mild to moderate in nature and may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider.

In some cases, doravirine may cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. These can include:

• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing
• Liver problems, including yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea or vomiting
• Changes in mood or mental health, including depression or suicidal thoughts
• Changes in body fat distribution, such as increased fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breasts, or around the abdomen

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking doravirine, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate course of action and may adjust your treatment regimen if necessary. Additionally, be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any side effects you experience, even if they seem minor, as they can provide valuable information for optimizing your treatment.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Here’s what you should know about the storage and disposal of doravirine:

Storage:

• Store doravirine tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the medication in its original packaging and out of reach of children.
• Do not store doravirine in the bathroom or kitchen where it could be exposed to moisture or humidity.
• Avoid storing doravirine in extreme temperatures, such as in the freezer or in direct sunlight.

Disposal:

• Dispose of doravirine tablets properly according to local regulations or guidelines.
• Do not flush doravirine down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• If you have any unused or expired doravirine tablets, return them to a pharmacy or healthcare facility that participates in medication take-back programs.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If you suspect an overdose of doravirine, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or confusion.
• Be sure to provide as much information as possible to the medical professionals, including the amount of medication taken and any other relevant details.

What other information should I know?

• Doravirine is not a cure for HIV infection. It is important to continue taking doravirine and any other prescribed medications for HIV as directed by your healthcare provider, even if you feel well.
• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up care while taking doravirine.
• Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care that you are taking doravirine, including dentists and pharmacists, as it may interact with other medications or treatments.
• Do not share doravirine with others, even if they have similar symptoms or conditions. Each person’s treatment regimen for HIV is individualized based on factors such as viral load, CD4 count, and other health considerations.