Sustiva
Efavirenz
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Sustiva
Sustiva is an oral anti-HIV (used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infections) medicine. ). It is similar to nevirapine and delavirdine. Sustiva is a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors (which are anti-HIV drugs) which also includes drugs like zalcitabine, zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir) etc.
In HIV infection, the HIV virus multiplies inside the cells of human body. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect and multiply in other cells. This way, the infection continually spreads to new, uninfected cells and the body continually produce new virus, and HIV infection is perpetuated. During production of new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus and reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form their new DNA. Sustiva directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and prevent formation of new viruses (HIV). Unlike zidovudine, Sustiva (efavirenz) does not need to be converted to an active form. Sustiva does not kill existing HIV virus and it can not cure HIV infection.
Therapeutic Uses of Sustiva
Sustiva is used for treatment of HIV infection (but it can not cure HIV infection), usually in combination with other anti-HIV medications, because if Sustiva is used alone to treat HIV infection, it may stop working due to development of resistant.
Direction of use of Sustiva
Take Sustiva by mouth, generally once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take on an empty stomach with a glass of water, as taking Sustiva with food, especially a high-fat meal can lead to increased absorption and blood levels of the drug and increase your risk of having side effects. It is better to take at bedtime during the first month of use. Using Sustiva regularly at bedtime may decrease certain side effects. Use Sustiva regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Use it at the same time each day, to help you to remember. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor. Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist.
If You Miss a Dose of Sustiva
If you miss a dose of Sustiva, you should take it as soon as possible. If next dose is within 2 hours, then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this drug and not to take extra dose without consulting your doctor.
How to Store Sustiva
Sustiva should be stored at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C). Storing it for brief period at 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) can be done without any harm. Do not store Sustiva in your bathroom and keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Sustiva
Sustiva is not a cure for HIV infection but has shown good positive results. Keep all doctor appointments and scheduled laboratory tests like liver function test, as your condition will be monitored closely. Sustiva does not reduce the risk of passing the virus (transmission) to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This is a potent product which should not be shared with others and it should be used by the patient only.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Sustiva
- Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have allergies, mental disorders, liver disease like hepatitis.
- Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects like dizziness, drowsiness or unsteadiness. You should be careful in performing tasks which require constant attention and monitoring like driving and operating heavy machinery.
- Women in the childbearing years should have a pregnancy test done before using Sustiva. Pregnancy should be avoided while using Sustiva and barrier-type (latex condom) birth control should always be used along with other methods of birth control like birth control pills. If you are already pregnant, use this drug only when clearly indicated. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Sustiva during pregnancy with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV.
- Use caution using this drug in children, as children may be more likely to develop side effects of Sustiva.
- Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any question about Sustiva.
Possible Adverse Effects of Sustiva
- Dizziness, drowsiness or trouble sleeping (insomnia) may occur while taking Sustiva. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Some side effects (like dizziness, drowsiness, and mental changes) may decrease as your body adjusts to the drug.
- Report promptly to your doctor if you develop skin rash. Although unlikely but you should report promptly if you experience any mood or mental changes (like depression, and in rare cases, thoughts of suicide), fever, dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice) etc.
- A seizure is very unlikely but report promptly, if you develop.
- Changes in body fat like increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs, may occur while you are taking Sustiva. The cause and long-term effects (changes in body fat) are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.
- You should consult your doctor or other health care provider if you notice any other side effect that is not mentioned above.