Rilpivirine 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.
Rilpivirine injection is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscles of the buttocks).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of Rilpivirine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Use this medicine at regular intervals. Do not skip any appointments. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Rilpivirine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Rilpivirine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not use Rilpivirine with medicines used to prevent or control fits or seizures, medicine to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis, anti-inflammatory medicine, and certain herbal medicine. Please see the section "Can I use this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hepatitis B (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids)
- hepatitis C (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through exposure to infected blood [blood-to-blood contact])
- depression
- severe kidney disease
- moderate to severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. 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.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rilpivirine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
Rilpivirine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or 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.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, cholesterol and triglyceride levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of depression, infection, and allergic reactions may also be needed.
Rilpivirine may cause tiredness, dizziness, or may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, stomach winds, increased weight, abnormal dreams, difficulty falling asleep, drowsiness, mood changes, feeling depressed, fever, feeling unwell, muscle pain, skin rash, and swelling, bruising, itching, or redness in the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) e.g. rashes, fever, tender or enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the face
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 use Rilpivirine if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to prevent or control fits or seizures e.g. carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- medicines to treat TB e.g. rifampicin, rifapentine, rifabutin
- dexamethasone (an anti-inflammatory medicine)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- methadone (strong painkiller)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
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 the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. If removed from the refrigerator, Rilpivirine may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 25°C for up to 6 hours. Protect from light. Light may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness.
Throw away any unused portion of the injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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