Efavirenz
Description
Efavirenz is an antiviral medicine which is used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only prevents the virus from multiplying in your body. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Efavirenz
- Depression
- Itching and skin rash
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Difficult or painful urination
- Pain in the lower back and side
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Trouble sleeping
Uses of Efavirenz
What is it prescribed for?
- HIV infection
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for this medicine to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe time until which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only in life-threatening conditions. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to efavirenz.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only in life-threatening conditions. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
CNS effects
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of CNS side effects such as hallucinations, dizziness, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, etc. Patients should be closely monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Fat redistribution
Efavirenz may cause fat gain or fat loss from the body. This may result in peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and Cushingoid appearance. Close monitoring of body weight and body fat distribution is necessary while receiving this medicine. Any changes in the body should be informed to the doctor on priority.
Hepatotoxicity
Efavirenz should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of liver diseases and active liver diseases. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hypercholesterolemia
Efavirenz should be used with extreme caution in patients with high cholesterol and triglycerides levels due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Frequent monitoring of lipid levels is advised in patients receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Immune reconstitution syndrome
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of immune reconstitution syndrome. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures and dose adjustments may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Efavirenz is missed take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Citalopram
Fluconazole
Amiodarone
Ciprofloxacin
Azithromycin
Disease interactions
Hepatotoxicity
Efavirenz should be used with extreme caution in patients with liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Liver function should be closely assessed before and during treatment with this medicine. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Increase in cholesterol levels
Efavirenz should be used with extreme caution in patients with high cholesterol and triglycerides levels due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Frequent monitoring of lipid levels is advised in patients receiving this medicine. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
CNS disorders
Efavirenz should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of CNS disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of such patients for any change in behavior or mood is recommended. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Efavirenz exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Ensure that proper hygiene measures are adopted. Complete the course of treatment to prevent the spread of the infection. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by stopping the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying. This helps in reducing the chances of development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other HIV-related illnesses.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - SUSTIVA- efavirenz capsule, gelatin coated SUSTIVA- efavirenz tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Efavirenz - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Efavirenz: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 4 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.