Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine

Inform your doctor if you develop persistent diarrhea or vomiting, as it may affect the effectiveness of Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine. Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), so inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, or stomach pain. Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may lead to opportunistic infections (infections that occur frequently or severely in patients with weak immune systems), so inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of infection such as muscle weakness, weakness beginning in the hands and feet that progress towards the trunk, palpitations (pounding heartbeat), and tremors. Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may destroy bone leading to symptoms such as joint stiffness or pain. It may also cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may also cause dizziness and abnormal heartbeat. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any significant changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). Do not take Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine if you have severe liver disease, a slow heartbeat, or severe heart disease, a very low red blood cell count (anemia) or a very low white blood cell count (neutropenia). Speak with your doctor about the precautions to follow to avoid infecting other people as one can still pass on HIV while on this medicine, although the risk is somewhat lowered by antiretroviral therapy; it can spread through sexual contact with a person who already has the infection, or by transfer of infected blood. Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine does not cure HIV infection. Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine can make hormonal contraceptives less effective or less likely to work. So, use other effective methods for contraception, including a barrier form (cervical cap, condom, diaphragm, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy while on Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine and for at least 12 weeks after stopping treatment as advised by your doctor. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Also, do not take Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine with other medicines such as stavudine, used to treat HIV infection, ribavirin or ganciclovir to treat viral infections, rifampicin to treat bacterial infections, bepridil (used to treat heart disease), cisapride (used to treat heartburn), methadone (used to treat opiate addiction), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) (a herbal remedy used for depression and anxiety), flecainide, metoprolol (used to treat irregular heartbeat). Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine is not recommended in pregnancy as could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. You may need frequent medical tests while on Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine.

Drug-Drug Interactions:  Doxorubicin (medicine for cancer), ribavirin (used to treat chronic hepatitis C), stavudine(medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS), emtricitabine (used to treat HIV infection), cladribine (used to treat hairy cell leukemia), bepridil (used to treat heart disease), cisapride (used to treat heartburn), methadone (used to treat opiate addiction), clomipramine (used to treat certain mental conditions).

Drug-Food Interactions: Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may have interaction with St.John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression). Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption while on this medication.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine should not be used in patients with liver disease, hepatitis B or C (liver infections), mental illness or psychosis, heart disease.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as dark green, yellow, orange and red vegetables, and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Option 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 whatever makes you happy.
• Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration. 
• Wash your hands properly before and after eating.
• Make sure you sleep at least 8 hours a day.

• Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.
• You can still infect other people while taking Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine. So, use necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.
• Efavirenz+zidovudine+lamivudine may cause abnormal liver function tests. So, regular monitoring of liver function is necessary while taking this medicine.