Doravirine is used together with other medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Doravirine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Take Doravirine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
If you missed a dose and it is within 12 hours of your usual schedule, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Doravirine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine, to any of its ingredients or other similar medicines.
Do not breastfeed while being treated with this medicine. If you have HIV, it is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Do not take Doravirine with medicines known as strong CYP3A inducers. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have severe liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Doravirine is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. amount of HIV in a blood sample) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Doravirine may cause dizziness, tiredness or may make you suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain, diarrhoea, stomach wind, nausea, vomiting, headache, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, and rash.
Changes in your immune system (immune reconstitution syndrome) may 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. Signs and symptoms of inflammation may occur soon after starting anti-HIV treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if any symptoms of infection (e.g. fever, sore throat, cough) or other symptoms (e.g. muscle weakness, palpitations, uncontrollable shaking of the body) occur.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Doravirine with the following medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- enzalutamide (medicine to treat prostate cancer)
- medicines to treat lung infection known as TB e.g. rifampicin, rifapentine
- mitotane (medicine for cancer)
- lumacaftor (medicine to treat an inherited disease that causes excessively thick and sticky mucus build up in the lungs or intestines known as cystic fibrosis)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- rifabutin (medicine to treat lung infection known as TB)
- dabrafenib (medicine to treat skin cancer known as melanoma)
- lesinurad (medicine for high uric acid levels in the blood)
- bosentan (medicine for high blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs)
- thioridazine (medicine for mood disorder)
- nafcillin (antibiotic)
- modafinil (medicine to treat excessive daytime sleepiness known as narcolepsy)
- telotristat ethyl (medicine to treat diarrhoea due to a condition called carcinoid syndrome)
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, efavirenz, nevirapine
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, sirolimus
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Doravirine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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