Rilpivirine
Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. It is typically prescribed for treatment-naive patients with baseline viral loads below 100,000 copies/mL and is also available as a long-acting injectable formulation co-administered with cabotegravir.
Rilpivirine is an HIV antiviral that works by blocking reverse transcriptase, used alone or with cabotegravir for long-acting HIV treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AG05
- RxNorm
- 1102270
- Generic
- Rilpivirine
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Edurant, Complera, Odefsey, Juluca
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with a meal
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with a meal (for patients ≥12 years, ≥35kg)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with a meal (use with caution)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks; limited placental transfer data
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterno adjustment needed
continue therapy if HIV suppressed; monitor viral load
routine prenatal care and viral load monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot applicable
HIV-positive mothers should not breastfeed regardless of antiretroviral therapy to prevent vertical transmission
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17 yearsno adjustment needed
approved for patients 12 years and older weighing at least 35 kg; adult dosing applies
regular monitoring of growth and development
pediatric_age
children under 12 yearsnot recommended
not approved for children under 12 years; insufficient safety and efficacy data
not applicable
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno adjustment needed
use with caution due to limited clinical experience; monitor for adverse effects
increased vigilance for side effects and drug interactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required; monitor renal function as part of routine care
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severe esrdno adjustment needed
can be used in patients on dialysis; administer after dialysis session
routine monitoring; no dialysis-related dose adjustment required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
use with caution; no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severenot recommended
use not recommended in severe hepatic impairment due to limited data
close monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Rilpivirine FDA approval date
Drug class
Antiretroviral drug classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indication
Brand names
Commercial product names
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents (12 years and older) who are treatment-naive or virologically suppressed. Available as oral tablets and as a long-acting injectable combination with cabotegravir for monthly or every-other-month dosing.
Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by binding directly to reverse transcriptase, the enzyme HIV uses to replicate its genetic material, thereby blocking viral RNA conversion to DNA and inhibiting viral replication.
Should be taken with a meal for optimal absorption. Common side effects include depression, headache, rash, and insomnia. Resistance may develop if used without other antiretrovirals. Not effective against HIV-2. May have drug interactions with acid-reducing agents, certain antibiotics, and CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy