Efavirenz : Before Using

Efavirenz - Systemic

Brand Names

Sustiva Efavirenz *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For efavirenz, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to efavirenz. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Efavirenz has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pets have found that it causes birth defects and other problems. A pregnancy test is recommended before starting treat with efavirenz. In addition, it is recommended that women with the potential to become pregnant use two methods of contraception. One method of contraception must be a reliable barrier contraceptive, such as condoms and the other method must be an oral or other hormone contraceptive. Before taking efavirenz, make sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether efavirenz passes into the breast milk. However, breast-feeding is not recommended in diseaseds with HIV infection because of the risk of passing the virus on to the nursing infant.

Use for Children

Children have a higher risk of developing a rash, which is sometimes severe, while taking this drug. Your family doctor may suggest that an additional drug, an antihistamine, be taken to prevent a rash from occurring. The appearance of a rash must be reported to your family doctor as soon as possible.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people or if they cause various side effects or problems in elderly people. There is no special info comparing use of efavirenz in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary It is important that you inform your health care professional of any prescription or nonprescription - OTC drug you are taking, especially if you are taking any of the following:

Amprenavir - Agenerase Efavirenz may decrease the amount of this drug in the body

Astemizole - Hismanal
Cisapride - Propulsid Efavirenz may increase the amount of these medication in the body, which may cause cardiac arrythmias - irregular heartbeat

Ergot derivatives - Gerimal, Hydergine, Hydergine LC, Ergotrate, Methergine, Bellergal-S Efavirenz may increase the amount of these medication in the body, which could lead to breathing problems

Indinavir - Crixivan Efavirenz may decrease the amount of this drug in the body

Midazolam - Versed
Triazolam - Halcion Efavirenz may increase the amount of these medication in the body, which may lead to severe drowsiness

Rifabutin - Mycobutin Efavirenz may decrease the amount of this drug in the body

Ritonavir - Norvir Taking efavirenz with this drug may increase the risk of side effects

Saquinavir - Invirase Efavirenz may decrease the amount of this drug in the body

Warfarin - Coumadin Efavirenz may either increase or decrease the amount of warfarin in the body

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of efavirenz. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Hepatitis B or C - history of
Liver disease Efavirenz may cause unwanted effects in the liver