Efavirenz

Efavirenz belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better. Efavirenz reduces the chances of getting HIV-related complications and improves your lifespan. It can be taken empty stomach or with food and is prescribed in combination with other HIV medicines. Taking all these medicines regularly at the right times greatly increases their effectiveness and reduces the chances of HIV becoming resistant to them. It is important to keep taking them regularly until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop. Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and rash. These are usually not serious but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away. Consult your doctor urgently if you experience a skin reaction or liver damage. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any skin, liver or kidney problems. While using it, you may need regular blood tests to check your blood cell counts and liver function. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine. Do not have unprotected sex or share personal items like razors or toothbrushes, if you are HIV positive. Talk to your doctor about safe ways like condoms to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Efavirenz prevents the multiplication of HIV virus in human cells, thereby stopping the HIV virus from producing new viruses.

• HIV infection

Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with activity against HIV, blocks the RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent polymerase activities including HIV replication.

Adult Dose: Oral HIV infection Adult: Combined with other antiretrovirals: 600 mg once daily. Dosing at bedtime recommended during 1st 2-4 wk of therapy to improve tolerability. Hepatic impairment Mild (Child-Pugh Class A): Dose adjustment not necessary; use caution Moderate-to-severe (Child Pugh Class B or C): Not recommended Child Dose: Oral HIV infection Child: Combined with other antiretrovirals: >3 yr, 10-14 kg: 200 mg; 15-19 kg: 250 mg; 20-24 kg: 300 mg; 25-32.4 kg: 350 mg; 32.5-39 kg: 400 mg; >40 kg: 600 mg. To be taken once daily. Renal Dose: Renal impairment: No dosage adjustment needed

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Efavirenz is to be taken empty stomach.

Common: • Headache • Dizziness • Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood) • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) • Sleepiness • Vomiting • Allergic reaction • Nausea • Abnormal dreams • Fatigue • Increased liver enzymes • Anxiety • Fever • Itching • Difficulty in paying attention • Increased triglyceride level in blood • Rash

[UNSAFE] Efavirenz may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Efavirenz is used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Take it on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime to reduce side effects. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain. You might experience dizziness or abnormal dreams during initial days of treatment. Consult with a doctor if it bothers you or does not go away. Use a reliable method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Severe hepatic impairment; hypersensitivity; lactation.

Hormonal contraceptives; antibacterial e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, clarithromycin; enzyme inducers. St. John's wort may decrease serum level. Ethanol (hepatic and CNS adverse effects). Potentially Fatal: Life-threatening adverse effects when used with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam and ergot alkaloids.

[CAUTION] Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Efavirenz. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Efavirenz is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Efavirenz is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Efavirenz is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Efavirenz may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. [CAUTION] Efavirenz should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Efavirenz may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Efavirenz is not recommended in patients with moderate and severe liver disease.

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