Uses of Efavirenz

Efavirenz is used to treat HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

Therapeutic Category

Efavirenz: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

How Efavirenz works

Efavirenz works by binding directly to the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme (substance used by HIV to make duplicate copies) which results in inhibition of it synthesis thus stopping the virus from producing new copies of virus in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Efavirenz

• skin rash
• abnormal dreams, difficulty while concentrating, dizziness, headache, difficult to attain sleep, drowsiness, problems with coordination/balance
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea
• itching
• tiredness
• feeling anxious/depressed

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• depression, strange/suicidal thoughts
• signs of opportunistic infection (illness that occurs as a severe infection in HIV patients) such as muscle weakness, racing heart beats, tremor, and/or hyperactivity
• severe rash associated with blistering of skin/fever

Health Tips for Efavirenz

• Take Efavirenz exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your doctor
• Efavirenz should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, as food can decrease its absorption and effectiveness. Avoid high-fat meals before taking the medication
• Efavirenz is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Efavirenz can interact with alcohol and certain drugs, potentially affecting its effectiveness or causing side effects
• Tell your doctor if you are taking, have taken, or might take any other medicine, including prescription, non-prescription or any herbal medicine