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What is Efavirenz
EfavirenzThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEfavirenz (sold as Sustiva® and Stocrin®) is a medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is part of a combination therapy known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications. Efavirenz is also used as an expanded postexposure prophylaxis regimen to prevent HIV transmission for those exposed to materials with a high risk for HIV transmission.
Sustivais the brand name
Efavirenz Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Sustiva
Efavirenz
1998
52
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Efavirenz, otherwise called Sustiva, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including HIV and Antiretroviral Therapy .HIV
Used in combination with Efavirenz for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection
Antiretroviral Therapy
Used in combination with Efavirenz for Antiretroviral Therapy
Effectiveness
How Efavirenz Affects PatientsEfavirenz is a type of medicine (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NNRTI) taken by mouth to treat HIV infections. It is usually given as part of a three-drug combination with other HIV medicines, such as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and a protease inhibitor. It was originally only used to treat patients whose HIV was not responding to another medicine (zidovudine).
How Efavirenz works in the bodyEfavirenz works to stop the virus from reproducing. It does this by targeting an enzyme that helps the virus make copies of its genetic material. By preventing the enzyme from functioning, efavirenz stops the virus from making new copies of itself and multiplying. Although efavirenz can also affect human DNA polymerase, this doesn't seem to be the primary cause of its toxicity.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Efavirenz depends on the diagnosed condition. The amount further fluctuates with respect to the delivery approach (e.g. Tablet or Capsule - Oral) mentioned in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Antiretroviral Therapy
600.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL, 400.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral
HIV
600.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL, 400.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral
Warnings
Efavirenz ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Efavirenz Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
(R)-warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Efavirenz.
(S)-Warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Efavirenz.
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Efavirenz.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Efavirenz.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be decreased when combined with Efavirenz.
Efavirenz Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Efavirenz?
44 active clinical trials are currently investigating the feasibility of Efavirenz as a treatment for Antiretroviral Therapy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
HIV
42 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Antiretroviral Therapy
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1
Efavirenz Reviews: What are patients saying about Efavirenz?
5Patient Review
6/4/2014 I've been using this treatment for a while now and I'm very happy with it. It's never given me any problems.
5Patient Review
9/2/2010 I experienced mental side effects from this medicine, like depression, suicidal tendencies, hallucinations and psychosis.
4Patient Review
7/29/2013 I had some really intense nightmares the first week or so of taking this medication, but I seem to have adjusted now. Additionally, even though it's a strong drug, I'm still able to operate a vehicle at night after taking it.
1Patient Review
11/7/2009Patient Q&A Section about efavirenz
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is efavirenz an ARV?
"The use of efavirenz as a component of first-line antiretroviral therapy has been universally accepted due to its importance in the field."
Answered by AI
Why efavirenz is taken at night?
"Efavirenz should be taken once a day, usually at night, because it can cause problems with the nervous system."
Answered by AI
What type of drug is efavirenz?
"Efavirenz is a medication that inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that is essential for the replication of HIV. By inhibiting this enzyme, Efavirenz decreases the amount of HIV in the blood."
Answered by AI
Does efavirenz have side effects?
"Possible side effects of taking efavirenz may include dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble concentrating. These side effects may begin occurring 1-2 days after starting the medication, but they usually go away within 2-4 weeks. Taking efavirenz on an empty stomach at bedtime may help reduce the occurrences of these side effects."
Answered by AI