Before taking Sustiva (efavirenz), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Sustiva (efavirenz), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, mania), liver problems (e.g., hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), alcohol use, pancreatitis, seizure problems, high cholesterol.
Sustiva (efavirenz) may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing in any other activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Though a rash is common when first starting Sustiva (efavirenz), and patients can often continue taking the medication, children taking Sustiva (efavirenz) may develop a rash more easily than adults. The rash may also be more severe. An antihistamine may be prescribed by your child's doctor before Sustiva (efavirenz) is started.
Sustiva (efavirenz) is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. If you become pregnant while taking Sustiva (efavirenz), notify your doctor immediately. It is now normal to prescribe HIV medicines for pregnant women with HIV. This has been shown to decrease the risk of giving HIV to the baby. Discuss alternative HIV medications and the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if Sustiva (efavirenz) passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store Sustiva (efavirenz) tablets/capsules at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information provided by your pharmacist before you start using Sustiva (efavirenz) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Sustiva (efavirenz) by mouth without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Take Sustiva (efavirenz) with a glass (4-8 ounces or 120-240 milliliters) of water.
Dosage of Sustiva (efavirenz) is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking Sustiva (efavirenz) (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Sustiva (efavirenz) works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Sustiva (efavirenz) at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not take more or less of Sustiva (efavirenz) 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. If HIV becomes resistant to Sustiva (efavirenz), it might also be resistant to other HIV medications.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble concentrating may occur. These common side effects may lessen over time, and they may be decreased by taking Sustiva (efavirenz) on an empty stomach at bedtime. Avoid alcohol and street drugs while taking Sustiva (efavirenz). They may worsen these side effects.
Other common side effects include tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or diarrhea.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Sustiva (efavirenz) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Sustiva (efavirenz) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, angry behavior, hallucinations), tingling/numbness of hands or feet.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness/tenderness/pain, stomach/back/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, vision changes, ringing of the ears.
Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking Sustiva (efavirenz) (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.
If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience a return of symptoms from an old infection. Symptoms might include: new cough, trouble breathing, fever, new vision problems, new headaches, new skin problems.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to Sustiva (efavirenz) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Sustiva side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Sustiva (efavirenz), take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 2 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also How to Use section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Sustiva (efavirenz) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: ergot alkaloids (e.g., bromocriptine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine), etravirine, cisapride, alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam, St Johns wort, bepridil, pimozide.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Sustiva (efavirenz).
Before using Sustiva (efavirenz), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: amprenavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, saquinavir, rifabutin, rifampin, sertraline, itraconazole, ketoconazole, caspofungin, warfarin, clarithromycin, methadone, birth control pills (ethinyl estradiol), phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin), voriconazole.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.