Sustiva (Generic)

Sustiva (Efavirenz) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by blocking the growth of HIV.

How should you take this medication:

Be sure to take Sustiva every day, exactly as prescribed. Take the drug on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime reduces the likelihood of side effects such as dizziness, impaired concentration, weakness, abnormal dreams, or drowsiness.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Sustiva?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
• If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or not consistently using birth control, be sure to tell your doctor. Women taking Sustiva should not become pregnant.
• Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol.
• Tell your doctors and pharmacists about all medicines you take. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter products, or herbal/natural remedies. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you've ever had seizures or are taking medications to control seizures.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication:

Be sure to avoid combining Sustiva with Versed, Halcion, or any of the migraine medications listed under "Why should this drug not be prescribed?". If Sustiva is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sustiva with the following: Alcohol Amprenavir (Agenerase) Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Clarithromycin (Biaxin) Indinavir (Crixivan) Itraconazole (Sporanox) Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Methadone (Dolophine) Nelfinavir (Viracept) Oral Contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol, such as Estinyl, Ovcon, and Ovral Phenobarbital Phenytoin (Dilantin) Rifabutin (Mycobutin) Rifampin (Rifadin and Rimactane) Ritonavir (Norvir) Saquinavir (Fortovase and Invirase) St. John's Wort Warfarin (Coumadin).

Dosage

The dose of Sustiva for adults is one 600mg tablet taken once a day.

Because Sustiva can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and trouble concentrating, it's probably best to take it at bedtime.

It is recommended that Sustiva be taken on an empty stomach.