Sustiva, Capsules

Chemical Name: EFAVIRENZ

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Common uses

This medicine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to manage human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It must be used in combination with other proven anti-HIV medicines. If this medicine is taken alone to treat HIV infection, it may stop working. Contact your doctor for more information.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, terfenadine, triazolam, or ergot medicines. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking HIV protease inhibitors or St. John's wort. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Taking this medicine with food, especially with a high fat meal, may lead to increased blood levels of this medicine. This may increase your risk for side effects. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Take this medicine at the same time every day, preferably at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. For best results take this medicine regularly. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits and may increase the risks of side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. This medicine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as cannabinoids/marijuana false positive result). DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION while you are taking this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SPREADING HIV. If you have questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PROTECT you from getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Always use a condom during sexual intercourse. If your health changes, check with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, also use a barrier form of birth control. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU ARE ABLE TO BECOME PREGNANT, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, trouble concentrating, or drowsiness. These side effects tend to go away after a few weeks. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash with or without fever; mouth sores; change in personality, behavior, mood, or emotions; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine or pale stools; unusual fatigue; or vision changes. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medicine (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle twitching.