What is Sustiva/Efavirenz used for?

This medicine is used to treat HIV infection

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Sustiva/Efavirenz be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Sustiva/Efavirenz not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Sustiva/Efavirenz?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking or planning to take any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition if you have high blood pressure

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Sustiva/Efavirenz?

This medicine can cause delusions, inappropriate behavior, severe depression, or suicidal thoughts. Discontinue the use of this medicine and consult your healthcare provider

What are the side effects of Sustiva/Efavirenz?

Most severe: Abdominal pain, abnormal sense of smell, abnormal vision, aggressive behavior, alcohol intolerance, allergic reaction, anxiety, asthma, blood clots, blood in urine, convulsions, decreased sense of touch, depression, double vision, dry mouth, eczema, emotional instability, fainting, flu-like symptoms, gas, hair loss, hepatitis, hives, hot flushes, impaired coordination, indigestion, irregular heartbeat, itchy spots, joint pain, kidney stones, lack of emotion, loss of appetite, mania, mental changes, migraine headache, muscle ache, nervousness, pain, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to touch, speech disorder, sweating, swelling, taste disturbances, tingling or burning of the skin, tremor, vertigo, weakness

Most common: Abnormal dreaming, abnormal thinking, amnesia, agitation, confusion, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, feelings of well-being, fever, hallucinations, headache, impaired concentration, insomnia, loss of identity, nausea, skin rash, vomiting

Other: None

How should I take Sustiva/Efavirenz?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.