Efavirenz
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What is the most important information I should know about efavirenz?
| Pronunciation: | eh FAH ver enz |
| Brand: | Sustiva |
Sustiva 600 mg
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oblong, yellow, imprinted with Sustiva
Efavirenz may cause serious psychiatric symptoms including severe depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, extreme fear, or unusual behavior. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects.
 | Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. |
 | Do not take efavirenz with astemizole (Hismanal), bepridil (Vascor), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), voriconazole (Vfend), or ergot medicines such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine), or methylergonovine (Methergine). |
| These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking efavirenz. |
There are many other medicines that can interact with efavirenz, or make it less effective. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
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.
Taking efavirenz will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
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| Last updated: | April 18, 2007 |
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© 2007, Cerner Multum, INC. Version: 5.02.
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