home > drugs a-z list > sustiva (efavirenz) drug center > sustiva (efavirenz) drug - consumer uses and warnings

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

EFAVIRENZ - ORAL

(eh-FAV-er-enz)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sustiva

USES: Efavirenz helps control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It is used in combination with other anti-HIV medications. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV disease complications (such as new infections, cancer). Efavirenz belongs to a class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Efavirenz is not a cure for HIV infection and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Efavirenz may also be used with other medications to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking efavirenz and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication with water. Taking efavirenz with food increases the blood level of this medication, which may increase your risk of certain side effects. See Side Effects section.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.

If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection as your immune system begins to work better. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any trouble breathing, fever, new cough, vision problems, headaches, or skin problems.

It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.