WHAT IS EFAVIRENZ?
Efavir 600mg is an antiviral drug that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV from multiplying in your body. This medication is prescribed for the treatment of HIV which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. Efavirenz is sold under various trade names, one of the popular name is Efavir (made by Cipla). This medicine may also be prescribed for treatments not mentioned here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EFAVIRENZ:
Efavirenz (Efavir) will not cure your body of HIV. You can still spread the virus to other people through infected blood (via needles, razors, toothbrush) or through unsafe sexual practices (ensure proper barrier contraception). You must take care about these things and employ proper measure so as not to spread the virus.
Efavirenz can lead to severe psychiatric problems such as severe depression, confusion, suicidal thoughts, aggression, extreme fear, hallucinations, or unusual behavior. Inform you doctor right away if you get any of these side effects while taking Efavirenz, even if you have had them before.
You must not take Efavirenz with cisapride, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, or ergot medicines like dihydroergotamine, egonovine, ergotamine, or methyergonovine. These drugs can interact with Efavirenz causing dangerous side effects. There may be other medicines that can interact with Efavirenz. Inform your doctor about all other medicines which you may be using.
Efavirenz is an FDA pregnancy category D drug. It is not recommended for use if you are a pregnant woman as it can harm an unborn baby. You must use a proper barrier contraceptive method while taking Efavirenz and for at least 12 weeks following the end of you treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not treated properly during pregnancy. Remember to take all medications for HIV as prescribed to prevent your baby from contracting the HIV virus.
BEFORE TAKING EFAVIRENZ:
Before taking Efavirenz, take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug. Also, to ensure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have these conditions: liver disease including hepatitis B or C, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or if you have taken delavirdine or nevirapine previously and they were ineffective in treating your condition.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE EFAVIRENZ?
Take Efavirenz HIV medication (Efavir) strictly according to your doctor?s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.
Take Efavirenz on an empty stomach at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. HIV is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Always take the prescribed drugs as directed by your doctor. Store this medication in a cool and dry place.
Efavirenz can cause a false positive drug screening test. Inform the laboratory staff where you have your drug test done that you are taking this medicine. Always store Efavirenz in a cool and dry place.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose of Efavirenz, take it as soon as you remember. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?
In case of an overdose of Efavirenz, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose can lead to confusion, lack of balance or coordination, severe mood or behavior changes, or suicidal thoughts.
THINGS AND ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WHILE TAKING EFAVIRENZ:
Efavirenz will not help your body get rid of HIV. It will stop the growth and multiplication of the virus. Chances of spreading the HIV will still remain the same through unprotected sex, infected razors or toothbrush. Hence, avoid these activities and things. This medication may make you dizzy and impact your thinking and reflexes. Be careful while doing activities like driving and others which require a high level of mental awareness. You must also avoid alcohol and street drugs while taking Efavirenz. They may also worsen the side effects due to this medication.
SIDE EFFECTS OF EFAVIR 600MG:
COMMON
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unusual dreams
• Concentration troubles
SERIOUS
• Depression
• Confusion
• Suicidal thoughts
• Aggression
• Extreme fear
• Hallucinations, or unusual behavior
EFAVIRENZ DOSING INFORMATION:
Efavirenz dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor?s advice properly for best results.
INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:
You must not take Efavirenz with cisapride, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, or ergot medicines like dihydroergotamine, egonovine, ergotamine, or methyergonovine. These drugs can interact with Efavirenz causing dangerous side effects. There may be other medicines that can interact with Efavirenz. Inform your doctor about all other medicines which you may be using.
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