How does Efavir (Efavirenz) work:

Efavir (Efavirenz) is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body. Efavir (Efavirenz) is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Efavir (Efavirenz) may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dosage & Administration:

Do not use Efavir (Efavirenz) without telling your physician if you are pregnant. Take Efavir (Efavirenz) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take Efavir (Efavirenz) on an empty stomach at bedtime, preferably at bedtime. Unless your physician tells you otherwise.

The recommended dose of Efavir (Efavirenz) is 600 mg orally, once daily, in combination with a protease inhibitor and/or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Store Efavir (Efavirenz) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Side Effects:

Common side effects:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
• mild nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• cough
• blurred vision
• headache
• dizziness
• tired feeling
• trouble concentrating
• problems with balance or coordination
• muscle or joint pain
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• unusual dreams
• changes in the shape or location of body fat

Contact your physician at once if you have any of these side effects:

• confusion
• severe depression
• suicidal thoughts
• aggression
• extreme fear
• hallucinations
• unusual behavior
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• red skin rash
• nausea
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• dark urine
• clay-colored stools
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• chills
• body aches
• flu symptoms

Precautions:

Do not use Efavir (Efavirenz) if you are allergic to efavirenz, or if you are using any of the following drugs:

• astemizole (Hismanal)
• bepridil (Vascor)
• cisapride (Propulsid)
• midazolam (Versed)
• triazolam (Halcion)
• pimozide (Orap)
• voriconazole (Vfend)
• ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine)
• dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray)
• methylergonovine (Methergine)

Before you take Efavir (Efavirenz), tell your physician if you have:

• liver disease (including hepatitis B or C)
• high cholesterol or triglycerides

Further Advice:

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Efavir (Efavirenz). Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Efavirenz. Tell your physician if you regularly use any of these medicines. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking Efavir (Efavirenz) will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Talk with your physician about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.