Sustiva [Efavirenz] is a medication that is used in the treatment and management of HIV infection. It belongs to the class of HIV medications known as Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI’s) and it has to be used in combination with other drugs. This medication prevents the entry of the infection inside the healthy T-blood cells and also suppresses the growth of new virus in the body.
How to use
Sustiva [Efavirenz] is a prescription medication and has to be administered strictly as per the doctor’s instructions. The general dosage of the medication is one tablet of 600 mg strength once a day. The medication has to be administered when the patient is on an empty stomach. Because this medication induces sleep and drowsiness, it is preferable to administer it before bedtime.
There are capsules available which are lower in strength meant for children. Dosage for children will depend on the child’s age and weight. For children who have difficulty in swallowing capsules, a liquid formulation is available.
Side Effects
Sustiva [Efavirenz] may cause side effects in patients who are under treatment. Common side effects which are not very serious are as follows:
• Blurred vision
• Cough
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain
• Dizziness ness, tired feeling and headache
• Unusual dreams and insomnia
• Problems in co-ordination and balance
• Trouble in concentrating
• Joint or muscle pain
• Unusual accumulation of weight in various parts of the body
In case any of the following serious side effects occur, the doctor should be consulted as soon as possible:
• Nausea, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, stomach pain, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Fever, headache, peeling, blistering and reddening of the skin and sore throat
• Flu-like symptoms, fever, body ache and chills
• New signs of infection
In case the patient gets an allergic reaction, emergency medical help should be called for.
Patients are also known to get psychiatric side effects such as confusion, suicidal thoughts, extreme fear, unusual behavior, severe depression, aggression or hallucinations. The doctor should be consulted immediately in these cases.
Drug Interaction
The following drugs should be avoided while a patient is being administered Sustiva [Efavirenz]: cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral); tacrolimus (Prograf) or sirolimus (Rapamune); voriconazole (Vfend); a cholesterol medications such as Zocor or Lipitor; blood pressure or heart medications such as diltiazem (Tiazac, Cardizem, Cartia), nicardipine (Cardene), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, Covera), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); itraconazole (Sporanox); St. John's wort; blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin); antibiotics such as rifabutin (Mycobutin), clarithromycin (Biaxin) or or rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifamate, Rimactane) and other HIV medications auch as indinavir (Crixivan), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase), atazanavir (Reyataz) or lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra).
Uses
Sustiva [Efavirenz] is used in the treatment and management of the HIV virus in affected patients.
Other Uses
Efavirenz is also used with another medication to help prevent infection in health care workers or other people who were accidentally exposed to HIV. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Storage
Sustiva [Efavirenz] should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Precaution
Sustiva [Efavirenz] should be administered on advice of a doctor. Medication should be stopped only after consultation with the doctor.
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