Efavirenz



SustivaŽ







Efavirenz

(e FAV e renz)

U.S. Brand Names
SustivaŽ
Canadian Brand Names
SustivaŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Non-nucleoside)
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to efavirenz or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Astemizole, bromocriptine, cabergoline, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, ergotamine, methysergide, midazolam, triazolam, or voriconazole.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work?
  • Efavirenz works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine at bedtime if it causes sleepiness.
  • This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Avoid taking this medicine with high-fat meals.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
  • Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache. Usually improves after taking the medicine regularly for a week.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: