Rilpivirine (brand name Edurant) is a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used with other antiretroviral agents to treat HIV-1 in treatment-naïve adults and children.
It works by lowering HIV-1 RNA in the blood, usually taken as a 25 mg daily tablet with a meal, or as part of long-acting injections.
Oral tablets (Edurant) must be taken with a meal for proper absorption.
It is also part of the long-acting injection combo with cabotegravir, given monthly or every two months.
Common side effects include depression, insomnia, headache, rash, and changes in body fat.
Drug Interactions: Rilpivirine has significant interactions with certain medications, including PPIs, some anticonvulsants, and antibiotics.
Rilpivirine is not a cure for HIV/AIDS and does not prevent transmission of the virus to others, though it helps manage the infection.
A second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used with other antiretroviral agents to treat HIV-1 in treatment-naïve adults and children.