What is Sustiva
EfavirenzThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEfavirenz (brand names Sustiva® and Stocrin®) is a type of medicine used to treat HIV. It is part of a combination of drugs called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and is usually taken with two other drugs (zidovudine or tenofovir, and lamivudine). Efavirenz is also sometimes prescribed to people who have recently been exposed to HIV, as it can help reduce the risk of transmission.
Sustivais the brand name
Sustiva 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 Sustiva Affects PatientsEfavirenz is a type of medicine usually taken orally to treat HIV infections. It is usually given in combination with other medicines, such as another type of HIV medicine (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) and a protease inhibitor. This combination of medications is recommended by the CDC for the treatment of HIV infection.
How Sustiva works in the bodyEfavirenz works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase which helps the virus to make copies of itself. This stops the virus from multiplying and spreading. It does not, however, get rid of the virus that is already in the body. The drug is converted into an active form in the body, and this active form can also affect human DNA polymerase, which may be responsible for some of the drug's side effects.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Sustiva is contingent upon the diagnosed malady. The dosage additionally changes as indicated by the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Capsule - Oral) featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Antiretroviral Therapy
, 600.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg
Tablet, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Solution - Oral, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Solution
HIV
, 600.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 400.0 mg
Tablet, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Solution - Oral, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Solution
Warnings
Sustiva ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Sustiva 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.
Sustiva Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sustiva?
44 active studies are assessing the potential of Sustiva in providing Antiretroviral Therapy for certain conditions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
HIV
50 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Antiretroviral Therapy
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Sustiva Reviews: What are patients saying about Sustiva?
5Patient Review
4/14/2008 I've been on Sustiva for just over five years now, and it's been working great in combination with Viread and Ziagen. I have had very few side effects from this medication (just some strange dreams), and it has kept me undetectable for nearly five years now.
5Patient Review
7/15/2009 I experienced some dizziness when I first started taking Sustiva, but this went away after a couple of weeks. I haven't had any other side effects, and my viral load has stayed undetectable for over 7 years now. The only downside is the increasing cost of the medication.
5Patient Review
3/23/2017 I was one of the first people to try this medication, and I didn't really have any issues with it. Sometimes my dreams were more real or lucid, but that was manageable. My doctor just decided to switch me to something newer.
5Patient Review
11/20/20074.7Patient Review
2/24/2009 This medication is doing wonders for me, except for the weight gain side effect. The biggest issue, however, is the monthly cost. I sometimes have difficulty affording it, and was wondering if there are any programs to help with copays.
4.7Patient Review
4/17/2008 Sustiva has been quite effective for me over the six years I've taken it, though the side effects are not fun. Daily nausea and difficulty sleeping are common for me, but I won't stop taking the medication because it's doing its job.
4.7Patient Review
5/26/2010 I've been taking this medicine for 11 years and it's helped me a lot. I do sometimes have vivid dreams, but I can manage them.
4.3Patient Review
6/25/2010 I felt nauseous at first, but it passed. I also had to use the restroom more frequently, but that was manageable.
4.3Patient Review
11/13/20074Patient Review
9/30/20073.3Patient Review
2/28/2011 I used this medication for a decade, more or less. I stopped because I started experiencing some side effects like people not wanting to hug me and difficulty sleeping.
3.3Patient Review
2/20/2008 I had some very unpleasant side effects while taking this drug, including nausea, fatigue, night sweats and nightmares. Even though it was effective, I couldn't continue using it and switched to something else.
3Patient Review
1/28/2008 I've been taking sustiva for five years now to manage my AIDS. It's generally been very effective, though I sometimes have strange dreams (that aren't nightmares). I never miss a dose, which might be part of why it's working so well for me.
2.7Patient Review
1/5/2008 No issues, which is good.
Patient Q&A Section about sustiva
Is there a generic for Sustiva?
"The generic version of Sustiva, efavirenz, is used to treat HIV and is available in a 600mg 30ct bottle." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What type of drug is Sustiva?
"It works by stopping the HIV virus from multiplying.
Sustiva is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV Infection. It may be used alone or with other medications. Sustiva belongs to a class of drugs called HIV NNRTIs. It works by stopping the HIV virus from multiplying." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Sustiva a NNRTI?
"Efavirenz (SUSTIVA), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults and children. Efavirenz must be taken with other antiretroviral drugs, as with other NNRTIs." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is Sustiva used for?
"This drug is one of a combination of drugs used to treat HIV infection.other HIV medications work to control HIV by decreasing the amount of HIV in the body, which allows the immune system to work more effectively. This lowers the chances of developing HIV complications, such as new infections or cancer, and improves patient quality of life." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer