Efavirenz (By Mouth)

Efavirenz (ef-a-VYE-renz)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Efavirenz does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Sustiva
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to efavirenz, or if you are also using astemizole (Hismanal®), cisapride (Propulsid®), midazolam (Versed®), triazolam (Halcion®), or ergot medicines (such as Sansert®, Ergostat®, Cafergot®, Wigraine®, Bellergal-S®, or DHE 45®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Do not stop using the medicine or change the amount you use without talking to your doctor first.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. But do not take this medicine with a high-fat meal. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
• Efavirenz is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Make sure you take all of your medicines as your doctor has prescribed.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Certain drugs should not be used while using efavirenz. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, or even death.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using clarithromycin (Biaxin®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®), St. John's wort, blood thinners (Coumadin®), estrogen hormone replacement, or medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®).
• Birth control pills may not work while you are using efavirenz. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, hepatitis, or a history of mental illness.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• Efavirenz will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, oozing, red skin rash
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding heartbeat
• Problems with balance or walking
• Severe depression, mood changes, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Joint or muscle pain
• Mild diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach upset
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating, strange dreams

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.