NNRTIs work at the same stage in HIV life cycle as NRTIs for they disrupt the reverse transcriptase of HIV. However, NNRTIs physically prevent the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working by changing the shape of the enzyme, thus blocking the reverse transcription from taking place.

• Delavirdine (Rescriptor)



• Efavirenz (Sustiva)



• Nevirapine (Viramune)

An antiviral drug used for people with HIV infection. If taken with other antiviral drugs, it can reduce one's viral load to extremely low levels, and increase one's T-cell counts.

Possible Side Effects:

• Temporary headaches, high blood pressure, feeling ill, or a skin rash.

For more information, please visit Rescriptor.

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An antiviral drug used for people with HIV infection. If taken with other antiviral drugs, it can reduce one's viral load to extremely low levels, and increase one's T-cell counts. Efavirenz seems to get into the central nervous system and may help prevent mental problems such as dementia. Taking efavirenz on an empty stomach at bedtime should result in the fewest side effects.

Possible Side Effects:

• Temporary headaches, high blood pressure, or just feeling ill
• Rash, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, headache and insomnia
• May cause birth defects
• Falsely test positive for marijuana use
  

For more information, please visit Sustiva.

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An antiviral drug used for people with HIV infection. If taken with other antiviral drugs, it can reduce one's viral load to extremely low levels, and increase one's T-cell counts. Nevirapine can also be used to prevent transmission of HIV from a pregnant woman to her child.

Side Effects:

• Temporary headaches, high blood pressure, or a general sense of feeling ill
• Skin rash (much more common for women)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a fatal skin rash in rare cases
  

For more information, please visit Viramune.

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