Antiretroviral (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor - NNRTI)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Rilpivirine is an HIV medicine that works by blocking a protein the virus needs to make copies of itself, helping to reduce the amount of HIV in your blood and keep your immune system strong.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by binding non-competitively to the enzyme's allosteric site, preventing conversion of viral RNA to DNA and blocking HIV replication. Used in combination antiretroviral therapy to suppress viral load and prevent disease progression.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one 25 mg tablet once a day, always with a full meal — not just a snack. Taking it without food means your body won't absorb the drug properly and it won't work well. Try to take it at the same time every day. In Nigeria, it is available as Edurant 25 mg Tablets.
If you remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take it right away with a meal. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip that dose and take the next one at your regular time. Never take two tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Always take rilpivirine with a proper meal, not on an empty stomach — this is very important for the drug to work. Never stop taking your HIV medicines or skip doses even if you feel fine, as the virus can become resistant. Only buy from licensed pharmacies — do not purchase HIV medications from roadside vendors or unverified sources.
Do not take rilpivirine with antacids or ulcer drugs like omeprazole (common in Nigeria for stomach problems) as they stop it from working — if you need an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after rilpivirine. Rifampicin, used for treating TB, makes rilpivirine useless and must not be combined. Some herbal remedies and supplements, including St. John's Wort, can also reduce its effectiveness.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Rilpivirine with your other drugs?
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking rilpivirine — your doctor will decide if it is safe for you and your baby.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Avoid storing in damp areas like the bathroom. Keep well out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Rilpivirine?
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