Atripla (Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Atripla

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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

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Atripla Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (Atripla)?

Do not use this medication if you are taking any of the following drugs:

cisapride (Propulsid);
midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);
St. John's wort;
voriconazole (Vfend);
an ergot medicine such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar), or methylergonovine (Methergine); or
lamivudine (Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, or Trizivir); or
any other medicines that also contain efavirenz, emtricitabine, or tenofovir (such as Sustiva, Emtriva, Truvada, or Viread).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir, tell your doctor if you have:

liver or kidney disease;
a history of mental illness, use of antipsychotic medication, or injection drug use;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
osteopenia (low bone mineral density); or
hepatitis B or C infection.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Use two forms of birth control, including an effective barrier form (such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide gel or inserts) while taking this medication. Keep using birth control to prevent pregnancy for at least 12 weeks after you stop taking efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. It may take that long for the medication to completely clear from your body.

HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy patient registry when you start using this medication.

You should not breast-feed while you are using efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking this medication. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you are overweight or have liver disease, if you are a woman, or if you have taken certain HIV or AIDS medications for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I take efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (Atripla)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medication on an empty stomach at bedtime.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

It is important to take this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the medicine in its original bottle with the cap tightly closed.

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