Efavirenz
About
Efavirenz belongs to the group of medications called ‘antiretroviral drugs’ used to treat HIV infection in adults and children of at least 3 months old and weighing at least 3.5 kg. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that over time leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Efavirenz is used with other medicines to control and reduce the amount of HIV in the body so that the immune system can work in a good way.
Efavirenz contains 'Efavirenz' which is a ‘nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor’ and works by interfering with the normal working of enzymes (reverse transcriptase in HIV ) that are essential for the production of viruses. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV.
Take Efavirenz as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take Efavirenz as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition. The common side effects of Efavirenz are trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, unusual dreams and trouble concentrating. However, seek medical attention if the side effects persist.
Do not take Efavirenz if you are allergic to Efavirenz or any other contents present in it. Efavirenz should be used with caution in patients with severe liver and kidney diseases. Consult a doctor immediately if you develop any new signs of infection while using this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding. It is important to monitor liver functions during the treatment, in persons with liver disease including hepatitis B or C infection. Older adults are sensitive to the side effects of Efavirenz, so dosage adjustment is required.
Uses of Efavirenz
Medicinal Benefits
Efavirenz is used with other medicines to control and treat HIV infection. This medicine helps to reduce the amount of HIV, which in turn improves the natural defense system(immune system ) of the body. When a person takes Efavirenz, it goes into their bloodstream and interferes with the action of an enzyme ( reverse transcriptase (RT)), that is used by HIV infected cells for their growth and making new viruses. HIV destroys the white cells of the body that are important for protecting the body from other infections. Efavirenz slows down the destruction of these white cells and stops the virus from copying it. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, Efavirenz helps to lower the risk of getting serious infections associated with HIV and allows a person to live a normal life.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Efavirenz
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Liver failure
- Increased cholesterol increased triglyceride levels
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal dreams
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty concentrating
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Efavirenz is not a complete treatment of HIV infection however this medicine helps to reduce the HIV in the body so that the immune system of the body can protect the body from other infections associated with a weak immune system. To reduce the chance of spreading HIV to others it is suggested to keep taking all the HIV medicines suggested by your doctor. Use an effective contraceptive method during sexual activity and never share your personal items like needles, syringes toothbrushes with anyone as these products may have liquid with HIV. This medicine contains lactose, so inform your doctor if you have an intolerance to any sugars.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Efavirenz may interact with a medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C (paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir/ombitasvir), antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin), cholesterol-lowering statins (atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin), and protease inhibitors (boceprevir, simeprevir) and drugs to treat HIV infection (elvitegravir).
Drug-Food interactions: Avoid high fatty meals as it may reduce the absorption of the drug in the body.
Drug-Disease interactions: Efavirenz should be used with caution in patients with severe heart, liver or kidney diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to avoid consuming alcohol as it may worsen the condition.
Pregnancy
cautionEfavirenz is a category B medicine. It should be used with caution in pregnant women as Efavirenz may pass into breastmilk, which can transmit HIV to baby, so do not breastfeed your child.
Breast Feeding
cautionEfavirenz should only be used in breastfeeding females if prescribed by the doctor.
Driving
cautionEfavirenz may cause dizziness. So, avoid driving or refrain from any activities that require you to alert mentally.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
unsafeEfavirenz should not be used in adolescents with kidney failure. In other people with severe kidney diseases, Efavirenz is given only if clinically needed and suggested by the doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedEfavirenz is safe to be used in children only if suggested by the doctor depending upon the age and weight of the child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Opt for lean meat such as skinless chicken and fish. Limit processed and high-sugar foods.
- Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons and oranges.
- Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
- Exercise regularly as it promotes both physical and mental health.
- Take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection to other people.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may regularly monitor liver function, kidney function and bone density if you take Efavirenz.
- Reliable method of contraceptives should be used to prevent pregnancy while using Efavirenz.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV): It is a virus that suppresses the immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time. The suppression of immunity leads to the development of opportunistic infections. It is a life-long condition and there is no permanent cure. The treatment (antiretroviral therapy) is given to suppress the infection. If the right treatment is not provided, then it may affect and kill immune cells which can put the body at high risk of getting serious infections. HIV can transfer from one person to another by blood, vaginal and rectal fluids, breast milk and semen.
FAQs
Efavirenz is not a complete treatment of HIV infection however this medicine helps to reduce the HIV in the body so that the immune system of the body can protect the body from other infections associated with a weak immune system.
To reduce the chance of spreading HIV to others it is suggested to keep taking all the HIV medicines suggested by your doctor. Use an effective contraceptive method during sexual activity and never share your personal items like needles, syringes, toothbrushes with anyone as these products may have liquid with HIV.
Efavirenz contains 'Efavirenz' which is a ‘nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor’ and works by interfering with the normal working of enzymes (reverse transcriptase in HIV) that are essential for the production of viruses. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV.
Efavirenz does not affect fertility. However, if you develop any side-effects while using Efavirenz, consult your doctor immediately.
Efavirenz should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Abrupt stopping of this medicine may lead to resistance to other medications making the infection difficult to treat.
Efavirenz may cause dizziness. So, it would be best if you refrained from driving or operating heavy machinery that requires you to stay alert.
Efavirenz may alter kidney function. So, it is used with caution in patients with kidney failure, especially adolescents.
