Sustiva (Efavirenz)

Sustiva (Efavirenz) Medication Information:

What is Sustiva (Efavirenz)?

Sustiva is an antiviral drug that belongs to a class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) used in combination with other antiviral medicines to treat people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).

What is Sustiva (Efavirenz) used for?

Sustiva is used with other prescribed HIV drugs To help control HIV infection. It helps in the reduction of HIV in your body, allowing your immune system to function more effectively. This reduces your risk of HIV consequences (such as new infections and cancer) while also improving your quality of life.

How does Sustiva work?

Sustiva the active ingredient in Sustiva, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It inhibits the function of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme produced by HIV that helps the virus to replicate in infected cells. Sustiva, when used with other antiviral medications, decreases the amount of HIV in the blood. Sustiva can not cure HIV infection or AIDS, but it can delay immune system deterioration and prevent the spread of infections and disorders linked to the disease.

Direction:

How to take Sustiva (Efavirenz)?

It is an oral tablet that is taken by mouth. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule; instead, swallow it whole. It is available as capsules and tablets and must be given in combination with other antiviral medicines. It is recommended that Sustiva be taken on an empty stomach and without food, preferably at bedtime.

What is the different dosage available?

Sustiva (Efavirenz) is available as an oral tablet of 50mg, 200mg, and 600mg.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dose of Sustiva (Efavirenz) when used in combination with other antiviral medicine is 600mg once a day in an adult for around 28 days.

What is the maximum dosage?

The maximum dosage for the medicine in adults is 600mg which is used along with an antiretroviral agent. Dosage is adjusted based on the weight and health conditions of an individual.

What if you forget to give a dose of Sustiva?

As soon as you recollect, take the missed dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a double dose.

Sustiva Precautions:

What should you know about Sustiva (Efavirenz) before you start taking it?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any mental or mood illnesses (such as depression, or suicidal thoughts), liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), seizures, or high cholesterol/triglyceride levels before using this medication. Monitor your heart rate frequently as Sustiva can affect heart rhythm.

Sustiva Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Sustiva (Efavirenz)?

Dizziness, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, strange nightmares, and difficulty focusing are all common symptoms of Sustiva. These side effects usually appear 1-2 days after you start taking this medication and last for 2-4 weeks. Inform your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Sustiva Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

Sustiva (Efavirenz) should not be taken along with the medicines that are used to treat chronic hepatitis C like ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, dasabuvir. Unless your doctor specifically instructs you, do not combine this medication with other efavirenz-containing medicines.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?

Sustiva should be stored at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC)away from light, heat, moisture, and reach of the children.

Other Important Information:

• Make sure no one else uses this medication without any prescription.
• The chances of treatment failure grow when dosages are skipped. Make sure you take all of your medications at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any allergies pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Don't increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV drugs) for even a short time without your doctor's permission.
• This medication may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating. which can be exacerbated by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis).

FAQs:

How should Sustiva be administered?

Sustiva should be administered on an empty stomach before night. Levels of Sustiva are increased by 60% when a high-fat meal is consumed which increases the probability of Side effects.

What is Sustiva and how does it work?

Sustiva is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-related illnesses. Sustiva can be taken alone or in combination with other drugs. Sustiva belongs to an HIV medication class known as NNRTIs (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors).

How long does it take for Sustiva to work?

Sustiva is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It reduces HIV viral load in as short as four weeks and continues to do so for the first three to six months.

Can Sustiva be taken while pregnant?

Sustiva can be administered in pregnant women only when needed after discussing potential risks with your doctor.