What is Symfi Lo: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Symfi Lo overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Symfi, Symfi Lo

Generic Names:

  • Efavirenz-Lamivudine-Tenofovir

Uses:

  • Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiretroviral Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Symfi Lo used for?

What form(s) does Symfi Lo come in

  • Tablet

What are common Symfi Lo doses?

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

Common Symfi Lo prescriptions

  • Symfi Lo
    30 tablets bottle

How to take Symfi Lo

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

  • 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.

  • Take this medicine at the same time each day, preferably at bedtime. This may help lessen the side effects symptoms.

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

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

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

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

  • 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 at the same time each day, preferably at bedtime. This may help lessen the side effects symptoms.

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

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

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

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

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Symfi Lo

Symfi Lo contraindications

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

Symfi Lo warnings

  • Use 2 forms of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after your last dose. Use a barrier method plus another type, such as birth control pills. Talk with your doctor about what choice is best for you.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), high cholesterol, heart rhythm problems, or a history of bone problems (including osteoporosis), pancreas problems, seizures, mental illness, or drug abuse. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. 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.

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

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)Liver problemsWorsening of hepatitis B infection (if the medicine is stopped)New or worsening kidney problemChanges in mood or behaviorSerious skin reactionsPancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)SeizuresLower bone mineral densityChanges in heart rhythm

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else 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.

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

Symfi Lo interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with elbasvir/grazoprevir.

  • Some medicines can affect how efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acyclovir, adefovir, boceprevir, cidofovir, cyclosporine, ganciclovir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, methadone, pibrentasvir/glecaprevir, rifabutin, rifampin, simeprevir, sirolimus, sorbitol, St John's wort, tacrolimus, trimethoprim, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, velpatasvir/sofosbuvir, velpatasvir/sofosbuvir/ voxilaprevirBirth control pills and implantsBlood pressure medicine (including diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Medicine to treat depression (including bupropion, sertraline)Medicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, gentamicin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole)Medicine to treat malaria (artemether/lumefantrine, atovaquone/proguanil)Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)NSAID or pain reliever medicineStatin medicine (including atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Symfi Lo side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Fast or troubled breathing, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, confusion

  • Severe sleepiness, decreased awareness or responsiveness

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Behavior or mood changes, paranoid or manic behavior

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Confusion, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, slow thoughts and movements

  • Seizures

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Anxiety, anger, aggression, depression, seeing or hearing things that are not there, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

  • Bone, joint, or muscle pain

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea

  • Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

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