home > drugs a-z list > rescriptor (delavirdine mesylate) drug center > rescriptor (delavirdine mesylate) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Nausea, diarrhea, headache, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as depression), signs of liver problems (such as persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, severe tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).

Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor, as well as the possible use of exercise to reduce this side effect.

Delavirdine can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. A rash may occur within 1 to 3 weeks after you start delavirdine treatment. It appears mainly on the upper body and arms, but may also appear on the neck and face. After consultation with the doctor, most people can continue taking delavirdine and treat the rash if it is not severe. Non-serious rashes usually last less than 2 weeks. However, a severe rash or a rash with signs of a severe reaction requires immediate medical attention. Signs of a severe reaction that usually appear within the first 3 days of a serious rash include: fever, blisters, mouth sores, eye redness/swelling, swelling in other areas of the body, or muscle/joint pain. Since you may not be able to tell a common rash apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction, always seek immediate medical attention if you develop any rash or any of these symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking delavirdine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems.

To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. However, HIV medicines are now usually given to pregnant women with HIV. Treatment has been shown to decrease the risk of HIV transmission to the baby. Delavirdine may be part of that treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if delavirdine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.