Efavirenz
Generic name: efavirenz [ e-FAV-ir-enz ]
Brand name: Sustiva
Dosage forms: oral capsule (200 mg; 50 mg); oral tablet (600 mg)
Drug class:NNRTIs
What is efavirenz?
Efavirenz is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.
Efavirenz is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Efavirenz is for adults and children who are at least 3 months old and weigh at least 8 pounds. Efavirenz is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Efavirenz may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use efavirenz if you also take elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier) to treat hepatitis C.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use efavirenz if you are allergic to it, or if you also take elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier) to treat hepatitis C.
Do not take with Atripla (combination efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir), unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease (including hepatitis B or C);
a seizure;
mental illness or psychosis;
heart disease; or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol or have a history of injection drug use.
Do not use efavirenz if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use 2 forms of birth control, including a barrier form (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy while you are using efavirenz and for at least 12 weeks after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Hormonal contraception (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings) may not be effective enough to prevent pregnancy while you are taking efavirenz.
HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
How should I take efavirenz?
Follow all directions on ...
