Pronunciation: EF-a-VIR-enz
Generic Name: Efavirenz
Brand Name: Sustiva
Sustiva is used for:
Treating HIV infection in combination with other medicines. If Sustiva is taken alone to treat HIV, it may stop working.
Sustiva is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by blocking the growth of HIV.
Do NOT use Sustiva if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Sustiva or have developed red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin after taking any ingredient in Sustiva
- you have moderate to severe liver problems
- you are taking astemizole, bepridil, cabazitaxel, cisapride, an ergot medicine (eg, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine), lurasidone, midazolam, nevirapine, pimozide, St. John's wort, terfenadine, ticagrelor, triazolam, or vandetanib.
- you are taking another medicine that contains efavirenz
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Sustiva:
Some medical conditions may interact with Sustiva. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are of childbearing age
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have high cholesterol, kidney problems, or a history of liver problems (eg, hepatitis, abnormal liver function tests)
- if you have a history of seizures, mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions
- if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Sustiva. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Astemizole, bepridil, cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine because serious heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat) may occur
- Midazolam or triazolam because serious side effects, such as prolonged sedation or breathing problems, may occur
- Ergot medicines (eg, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine) because serious blood flow problems may occur
- Nevirapine, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), or St. John's wort because they may decrease Sustiva's effectiveness
- HIV protease inhibitors (eg, amprenavir, atazanavir, ritonavir) or warfarin because their effectiveness may be decreased or the risk of their side effects may be increased by Sustiva
- Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), bupropion, cabazitaxel, calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), carbamazepine, cyclosporine, hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors (eg, boceprevir), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, atorvastatin), hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills, etonogestrel), ixabepilone, lurasidone, certain macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin), maraviroc, methadone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, sertraline, sirolimus, tacrolimus, ticagrelor, ulipristal, or vandetanib because their effectiveness may be decreased by Sustiva
- Medicines that may harm the liver (eg, acetaminophen, isoniazid, ketoconazole, certain medicines for HIV infection, methotrexate) because the risk of liver side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the liver
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Sustiva may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Sustiva:
Use Sustiva as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An extra patient leaflet is available with Sustiva. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Take Sustiva by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Taking Sustiva with food, especially with a high-fat meal, may lead to increased blood levels of Sustiva. This may increase your risk of side effects.
- Take Sustiva with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
- Take Sustiva at the same time(s) every day, preferably at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Continue to use Sustiva even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Sustiva, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Sustiva.
Important safety information:
- Sustiva may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or trouble concentrating. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Sustiva with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Sustiva; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Sustiva may cause dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, or unusual dreams. These effects usually go away after you have taken Sustiva for about 2 to 4 weeks. Taking it at bedtime may help to decrease these effects. Check with your doctor if they continue or are severe.
- Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or stop taking Sustiva without checking with your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose may not provide additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects.
- Sustiva may improve immune system function. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of infection (eg, fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start Sustiva.
- Changes in body fat (eg, an increased amount of fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk, and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face) may occur in some patients taking Sustiva. The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
- Sustiva is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.
- Sustiva does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.
- Sustiva will not prevent you from getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Always use a condom during sexual intercourse.
- If your health changes, check with your doctor.
- When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Sustiva, even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistant to the medicine and become harder to treat.
- Sustiva may interfere with certain lab tests, including cannabinoids/marijuana false-positive result. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Sustiva.
- Talk to your doctor about whether you should have a pregnancy test before you begin taking Sustiva.
- If you may become pregnant, you must use an effective form of birth control while you take Sustiva and for 12 weeks after you stop taking it. Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Sustiva. You should always use a barrier form of birth control (eg, condoms), even if you already use a hormonal birth control method. If you have questions about effective birth control, talk with your doctor.
- Lab tests, including liver function and cholesterol and triglyceride levels, may be performed while you use Sustiva. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Sustiva with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Sustiva should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old and in children who weigh less than 13 kg (28.6 lb); safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Sustiva may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are taking it or for 12 weeks after you stop taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Sustiva while you are pregnant. It is not known if Sustiva is found in breast milk. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Sustiva to the baby.
Possible side effects of Sustiva:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal dreams; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; tiredness; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning, numbness, or tingling; change in personality; confusion; cough; delusions; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; memory loss; mental, mood, or behavior changes (eg, abnormal thoughts, agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, nervousness, paranoia); mouth sores; rash with or without fever; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); vision changes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Sustiva side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include hallucinations; muscle twitching; severe dizziness, drowsiness, or coordination problems; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping.
Proper storage of Sustiva:
Store Sustiva at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Sustiva out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Sustiva, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Sustiva is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Sustiva. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Sustiva resources
- Sustiva Side Effects (in more detail)
- Sustiva Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Sustiva Drug Interactions
- Sustiva Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Sustiva - Add your own review/rating
- Sustiva Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Sustiva Consumer Overview
- Sustiva Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Sustiva Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Efavirenz Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Sustiva with other medications
- HIV Infection
- Nonoccupational Exposure
- Occupational Exposure
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