Efavirenz (other name Sustiva)

Common use

Sustiva is an antiviral medication to treat immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or to prevent its development in the individuals who had sexual contacts with HIV-infected patients, injections and cuts while work with HIV-infected material. It belongs to the class of reverse transcriptase inhibitors and blocks synthesis of a viral DNA.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dose for adults is 600 mg taken once daily. Individuals with body weight over 40 kg should take 600 mg of Sustiva. First two weeks take the medication before your bedtime.
Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney failure, alcohol or drug addicted, encephalopathy, high cholesterol or triglycerides, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), if you have ever taken delavirdine (Rescriptor) or nevirapine (Viramune) without any therapeutic result.
Cautiousness should be exercised in children under 3 years of age, and children with body weight under 13 kg.
Use reliable contraception while you are on Sustiva as this medication may cause serious harm to an unborn baby.

Contraindications

This medication cannot be used in the patients with hypersensitivity to it, breastfeeding and pregnant women.

Possible side effect

This medication may cause serious psychiatric symptoms which you should inform immediately to your doctor. These may include: hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, severe depression, confusion, aggression, extreme fear, or unusual behavior.

Drug interaction

Sustiva decreases blood concentrations and effects of indinavir (Crixivan) and saquinavir (Invirase).
Concomitant use with alcohol may increase influence of Sustiva on the central nervous system.
Co-administration with astemizol and tsizaprid increases risk of arrhythmia.
Sustiva also decreases blood concentration of hormonal contraceptives and Indinavir.
If Sustiva is used together with Ritonavir it leads to increase in side effects of the drug and hepatotoxicity.
Concomitant use of Sustiva with Clarithromycin or Saquinavir should be avoided. Midazolam (Versed) and triazolam (Halcion) increase sedative effects of the drug. Phenobarbital decreases blood concentrations of Sustiva. Co-administration with rifabutin, rifampin is not recommended.
Do not take Sustiva with pimozide (Orap), cisapride (Propulsid), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Cafergot, Wigraine, Ergomar), dihydroergotamine, ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms may include muscle twitching. In case of overdose seek urgent medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children or pets.