Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil
About
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil belongs to the class of ‘antiretrovirals,’ used to treat HIV infection. Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in decreasing the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination of three medicines: Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the reproduction of the virus.
Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. Sometimes, Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may have common side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness, depression, sleeping problems, weakness, tiredness, cough, rash, unusual dreams, concentration problems, drowsiness (sleepiness), and diarrhoea. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for a longer time, please seek medical advice.
Let your doctor know if you are using a prescription, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products before starting Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. If you are known to be allergic to Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil or its inactive components, please inform your doctor. Please tell your doctor if you have any heart problems, liver or kidney diseases, alcohol addiction, fits, high cholesterol levels, and weak/broken bones. If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Do not breastfeed while taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is recommended for children who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kg).
Uses of Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil
Medicinal Benefits
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is used to treat HIV infection. It consists of three medicines, namely: Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil. Efavirenz belongs to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the reproduction of the virus.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Sleeping problems
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Rash
- Unusual dreams
- Concentration problems
- Drowsiness (sleepiness)
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are using a prescription, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products before starting Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil or its inactive components. Please inform your doctor if you have heart problems, liver (hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis) or kidney diseases, depression, pancreas (inflammation of the pancreas), alcohol addiction, fits, high cholesterol levels, and weak/broken bones (osteoporosis). You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with HIV infection to prevent the spread of infection to others through sexual contact or body fluids. Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil should be used with caution due to the increased risk of immune reconstitution syndrome, decreased bone mineral density, pancreatitis, and lactic acidosis. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. It is not recommended to breastfeed while using Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil since it excretes into the breast milk. Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness/drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may interact with antifungal drugs (amphotericin B), antivirals (foscarnet, ganciclovir, cidofovir), drugs treating obesity (orlistat), medicines used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection (adefovir), medicines treating chronic hepatitis C (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, dasabuvir), immunosuppressants (tacrolimus), antibiotics (amikacin, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin), and fits medicines (carbamazepine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may have interaction with St.John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression). Avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with this medication.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil should not be used in patients with liver diseases, kidney diseases, mood disorders, heart diseases, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels in the body), bone disorders, lactic acidosis, and immune reconstitution syndrome.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption with Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
cautionEfavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Breast Feeding
cautionEfavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women since it is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionEfavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Dose adjustment may be required.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Dose adjustment may be required.
Children
cautionEfavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil is recommended for children who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kg) only under the doctor’s supervision.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items that can have body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis as they can make you prone to HIV infection.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as dark-green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with family or do whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
Regular kidney and liver function tests, bone mineral density tests are recommended while taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. HIV spreads through body fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil contains Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil. It works by interfering with the functioning of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause bone problems, such as osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply to the bone), especially in HIV patients taking combination antiretroviral therapy. If you experience any joint pains, stiffness (especially shoulder, knee or hip) or difficulty in movement, please consult a doctor immediately.
HIV infection may still be transmitted to other persons while using Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil reduces the risk of transmission; however, HIV infection is still contagious. Therefore, discuss with a doctor for precautions to avoid transmission of HIV while being treated with Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not cure HIV infection. Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil reduces the activity of HIV in the body and improves the functioning of the immune system.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but severe side effect, especially in women who are very obese and in people with liver diseases. However, if you experience stomach pain, vomiting or nausea while taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir Disoproxil, please consult a doctor immediately.
