Sustiva
Description
Sustiva (generic name: Efavirenz) 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 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by blocking the growth of HIV. Efavirenz is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is similar to nevirapine (Viramune) and delavirdine (Rescriptor). Efavirenz is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, the infection continually spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Efavirenz directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses. Unlike zidovudine, efavirenz does not need to be converted to an active form. Efavirenz does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV.
Recommendations
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 for side effects.
Take this medicine 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 within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Precautions
The most common side effects are rash, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include muscle pain (myalgia), abnormal heartbeats and increased cholesterol levels.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: efavirenz.
