Description
Efavir is used with other medicines in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Efavirenz will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems that usually result from AIDS or HIV disease. Efavirenz will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have some of the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
How to use Efavir
Efavir comes as a tablet to take by mouth with plenty of water on an empty stomach once a day. To help you remember to take Efavir, take it around the same time every day. Taking Efavir at bedtime may make side effects less bothersome. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Efavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Efavir controls HIV infection, but does not cure it. Continue to take Efavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Efavir without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses or stop taking Efavir, your condition may become more difficult to treat.
Efavir is also used with another medication to help prevent infection in health care workers or other people who were accidentally exposed to HIV. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
Precautions
Before taking Efavir,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to efavirenz or any other medications.
- do not take astemizole (Hismanal); cisapride (Propulsid); ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel), cabergoline (Dostinex), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Bellergal-S, Cafergot, Ergomar, Wigraine), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax); or triazolam (Halcion) while taking efavirenz.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetaminophen (Tylenol, others); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants; antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Lexxel, Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nisoldipine (Sular), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); chlorpheniramine in over-the-counter cold products; cholesterol-lowering medications (statins); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin, Prevpac); danazol (Danocrine); dexamethasone (Decadron); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); iron products; isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); medications for anxiety, mental illness, or pain; medications for HIV or AIDS such as amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Fortovase); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); methotrexate (Rheumatrex); methadone (Dolophine); metronidazole (Flagyl); niacin (nicotinic acid); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn), and piroxicam (Feldene); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); oral medications for diabetes such as glipizide (Glucotrol, Metaglip) and tolbutamide (Orinase); proton pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), and pantoprazole (Protonix); quinidine (Quinidex); quinine; rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); sedatives; sildenafil (Viagra);sleeping pills; sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); torsemide (Demadex); tranquilizers; troleandomycin (TAO); or zafirlukast (Accolate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially products that contain kava or St. John's wort.
- tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol; if you use or have ever used street drugs or have overused prescription medications; if you have or have ever had seizures, high cholesterol, or mental illness; or if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or pancreas disease.
- you should not become pregnant while taking efavirenz. You will have to have a negative pregnancy test before you begin taking this medication and use two approved forms of birth control while you are taking it. If you become pregnant while taking efavirenz, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or are taking efavirenz.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking efavirenz.
- you should know that efavirenz may make you drowsy, dizzy, or unable to concentrate. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking efavirenz. Alcohol can make the side effects from efavirenz worse.
- you should know that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body such as your breasts and upper back.
Dietary Instructions
Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
What should I do if I forget dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Doubling doses can lead to serious or unwanted side effects.
Side Effects
Efavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- dizziness
- headache
- difficulty concentrating
- confusion
- forgetfulness
- strange thoughts
- abnormally happy mood
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- unusual dreams
- pain
- increased sweating
- cough
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- itching
- blisters or sores on skin
- peeling skin
- itching
- fever
- fainting
- nervousness
- aggressive or angry behavior
- depression
- thoughts of hurting yourself
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
- extreme tiredness
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- flu-like symptoms
Efavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Overdose Information
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- movements of your body that you cannot control
- dizziness
- headache
- difficulty concentrating
- nervousness
- confusion
- forgetfulness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- unusual dreams
- drowsiness
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
- abnormally happy mood
- strange thoughts
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