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Efavirenz     Click Image to Enlarge
ef-FAH-ver-enz  | |
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Brand Name: Sustiva |
Drug Class: Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
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Efavirenz, also known as EFV or Sustiva, is a type of medicine called a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). NNRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.
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HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
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Efavirenz was approved by the FDA on September 17, 1998, for use with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children ages 3 and older. This medicine does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.
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Efavirenz may also be used with other antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV in people who have been exposed to the virus in the work place, such as health care providers who come in contact with HIV infected blood through an accidental needle stick.
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Dosage Form/Administration
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Efavirenz comes in capsule and tablet form and is taken by mouth. Efavirenz should not be taken with a high fat meal. It is recommended that efavirenz be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime.
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Recommended Daily Dose
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The recommended dose of efavirenz for adults and children weighing more than 88 lbs is 600 mg once a day. The recommended dose for children weighing less than 88 lbs depends on the child's weight. Taking efavirenz at bedtime may decrease some of its side effects. Some individuals may benefit from different doses of efavirenz. Individuals should always take efavirenz as prescribed by their doctors.
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Contraindications
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Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.
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Possible Side Effects
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Along with its desired effects, efavirenz can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects include abnormal thinking, confusion, depression, hallucinations, memory loss, paranoid thinking, and thoughts of suicide. Convulsions, liver complications, an increase in cholesterol, fat accumulation and redistribution, and immune reconstitution syndrome are also possible in patients undergoing therapy with efavirenz, Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
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Fetal harm can occur when efavirenz is given to a pregnant woman during the first trimester. Women should avoid pregnancy while taking efavirenz and for 12 weeks after stopping therapy. Women should also be instructed not to breast-feed if HIV-infected and undergoing treatment with efavirenz.
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Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, sleep problems, abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, impaired concentration, and changes in certain blood tests. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.
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Drug and Food Interactions
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A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications. Patients taking astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), or ergot medicines (e.g., Cafergot), bepridil, pimozide, and St.John's wort should not be used with efavirenz. Efavirenz is also not recommended with atripla.
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Efavirenz may change the effects of some birth control pills. A second method of birth control should be used while taking efavirenz.
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Clinical Trials
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Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Efavirenz.
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Manufacturer Information
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Efavirenz
Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
PO Box 4500
Princeton, NJ 08543-4500
(800) 321-1335
Sustiva
Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
PO Box 4500
Princeton, NJ 08543-4500
(800) 321-1335
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Updated October 14, 2008
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