Efavir

Uses of Efavir

This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Efavir belongs to a class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Efavir is not a cure for HIV infection.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking efavirenz, tell your doctor  if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor  your medical history, especially of: mental/mood conditions (such as depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), drug/substance/alcohol abuse, seizures, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

A rash may be more common and serious in children taking efavirenz. Report any rash right away. The doctor may prescribe an antihistamine for your child to take before efavirenz is started. Consult the doctor for more information.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby, and efavirenz may be part of that treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Dosage

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). In children, the dosage is also based on weight.

It is very important to keep taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Increased liver enzymes
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Sleepiness
• Abnormal dreams
• Anxiety
• Itching
• Difficulty in paying attention
• Rash
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Decreased appetite