EFAVIRENZ - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (eh-FAV-er-enz)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sustiva
GENERIC NAME(S): efavirenz
Uses
USES: This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Efavirenz belongs to a class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Efavirenz is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, do all of the following: (1) continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor, (2) always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity, and (3) do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
How to use EFAVIRENZ - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking efavirenz and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Taking efavirenz with food increases the blood level of this medication, which may increase your risk of certain side effects. See Side Effects section. Swallow this medication whole with water. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, it may be opened and the contents mixed gently in a small amount (1 to 2 teaspoons) of soft food such as applesauce, grape jelly, or yogurt. After taking the mixed medication, add 2 more teaspoons of food to the empty mixing container. Swallow the remaining mixture to make sure that you get the entire dose. Swallow within 30 minutes of mixing. Do not eat any food for 2 hours after taking this medication. For babies who cannot eat solid foods, the contents may be mixed in 2 teaspoons of infant formula and drawn up into an oral syringe to be given to the baby. (See Patient Information Leaflet.) The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). In children, the dosage is also based on weight. It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Faq for EFAVIRENZ - ORAL
Efavirenz is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It is usually prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of a regimen known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).
Efavirenz belongs to a class of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It blocks the activity of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to multiply. This helps to reduce the viral load and slows down the progression of HIV infection.
The typical adult dosage of Efavirenz is 600 mg orally once daily. It is usually taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, to help reduce the risk of certain side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. The exact dosage may vary depending on individual circumstances, so it is best to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Yes, there can be side effects with the use of Efavirenz. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, strange dreams, rash, and fatigue. It can also cause more serious side effects like liver problems and mental/mood changes. It is important to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider.
Yes, Efavirenz can interact with several other medications. It may decrease the effectiveness of certain birth control methods, so additional or alternative birth control methods may be needed. It can also interact with drugs metabolized by the liver and potentially affect their levels in the body. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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