Efavirenz (Systemic)

Brand Names : Sustiva

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Keep taking efavirenz for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better. It is also important that you continue taking all other medicines for HIV infection your doctor has instructed you to take.

Efavirenz may be taken with or without meals. However, meals high in fat should be avoided because the amount of efavirenz absorbed into the body may be increased, which might increase the chance of side effects.

The central nervous system (CNS) side effects that may occur with this medicine usually lessen after you have taken the medicine for a while. Also, taking efavirenz at bedtime, especially during the first 2 to 4 weeks, may lessen these side effects.

Dosing - The dose of efavirenz will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of efavirenz. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults - 600 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken with other medicines.
    • Children 3 years of age and older (by weight) -
      • 10 to 15 kilograms (22 to 33 pounds) of body weight: 200 mg once a day, taken with other medicines.
      • 15 to 20 kilograms (33 to 44 pounds) of body weight: 250 mg once a day, taken with other medicines.
      • 20 to 25 kilograms (44 to 55 pounds) of body weight: 300 mg once a day, taken with other medicines.
      • 25 to 32.5 kilograms (55 to 71.5 pounds) of body weight: 350 mg once a day, taken with other medicines.
      • 32.5 to 40 kilograms (71.5 to 88 pounds) of body weight: 400 mg once a day, taken with other medicines.
      • 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of body weight or over: 600 mg once a day, taken with other medicines.
    • Children up to 3 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.