Late onset hepatitis and prolonged deterioration in hepatic function associated with nevirapine therapy

The aetiology of hepatic dysfunction in patients with HIV infection is multifactorial. Re-activation of hepatitis C infection, drug toxicity, and opportunistic infections are all potential causes. Nevirapine (NVP) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV infection. It is associated with a significant incidence of hepatotoxicity, usually occurring in the initial month of therapy. We report the case of a 49-year-old man who developed NVP-induced prolonged hepatotoxicity 5 months after commencing antiretroviral therapy.