What is Efavirenz? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Efavirenz

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

• Do not stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor first. If you stop the medicine, even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.

• If you cannot swallow the capsule whole:You may open the capsule and pour the contents into 1 to 2 teaspoons of soft food (such as applesauce, grape jelly, or yogurt). You may also mix the medicine into an infant's formula.Swallow the mixture within 30 minutes. Give the formula/medicine mixture with an oral dosing syringe.After you swallow the mixture, add a small amount of food (or formula) into the empty container and gently stir. Swallow this mixture, too, to make sure you get all of the medicine that was in the capsule.Do not eat anything else for 2 hours after taking this medicine mixed with food or formula.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• If you cannot swallow the capsule whole:You may open the capsule and pour the contents into 1 to 2 teaspoons of soft food (such as applesauce, grape jelly, or yogurt). You may also mix the medicine into an infant's formula.Swallow the mixture within 30 minutes. Give the formula/medicine mixture with an oral dosing syringe.After you swallow the mixture, add a small amount of food (or formula) into the empty container and gently stir. Swallow this mixture, too, to make sure you get all of the medicine that was in the capsule.Do not eat anything else for 2 hours after taking this medicine mixed with food or formula.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

• Do not stop using this medicine without talking to your doctor first. If you stop the medicine, even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Efavirenz

Efavirenz contraindications - Who shouldn't take Efavirenz?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to efavirenz, or if you are pregnant.

Efavirenz warnings

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use 2 forms of birth control during your treatment time and for at least 12 weeks after your last dose. Birth control pills may not work while you are using efavirenz, so do not use a hormone method as a form of birth control. Use a barrier method plus another type. Talk with your doctor about what choice is best for you.

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a history of liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), seizures, mental illness, or drug abuse.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongationUnusual changes in mood or behaviorSevere liver problemsSevere skin rashIncreased cholesterol levelChanges in body fat

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Efavirenz interactions & what to avoid when taking Efavirenz

• Do not take Atripla® while you are being treated with this medicine, unless your doctor tells you to. Atripla® also has efavirenz in it.

• The list below includes some of the medicines that can interact with efavirenz. There are other drugs not listed. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines you use.Artemether/lumefantrine, atorvastatin, atovaquone/proguanil, boceprevir, bupropion, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methadone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, posaconazole, pravastatin, rifabutin, rifampin, sertraline, simeprevir, simvastatin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or voriconazoleBirth control pill or implantBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Other medicine to treat HIV/AIDS

• Alcohol, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, and similar medicines may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used together with this medicine.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Severe liver problemsSevere skin rashIncreased cholesterol levelChanges in body fat

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.