Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) used

Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) (also known as Sustiva) are used with other HIV medications as part of combination therapy for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults and children three years of age or older. Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) must not be used alone and is usually combined with two other drugs that have a different mechanism of action; this treatment regime is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and is designed to minimise the ability of the virus to multiply and help prevent development of viral resistance to treatment. HIV impairs the immune system by attacking specific immune cells called CD4+ cells that are involved in fighting infection and this can lead to opportunistic life-threatening infection (infections that would not normally be harmful). Also if too many CD4+ cells are destroyed this can result in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) prevent or slow down the ability of HIV to replicate and spread, which keeps the amount virus down to a low level (reduces viral load) and this results in an increase in CD4+ cell numbers, so that the immune system can recover, reducing the risk of disease progression.

Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) work

Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) (also known as Sustiva) contain efavirenz, a non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), which is only effective against RNA viruses (retroviruses) like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It works by inhibiting the action of the viral-specific enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT), which is needed for the virus to be able to replicate. Retroviruses convert RNA to DNA, which is then integrated into the DNA of infected immune cells so that the virus can replicate. Efavirenz in Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) acts by binding to a specific site on the RT enzyme and blocks its action in a manner that is noncompetitive with nucleosides (precursors to the building blocks of DNA and RNA), thereby preventing the conversion of viral RNA to DNA. This action prevents the integration of virus into the DNA of the infected CD4+ immune cell, which inhibits the replication of HIV so that no more virus can be produced; and this reduces the viral load (amount of virus). Efavir (Efavirenz Tablets) slow down the replication of HIV within your body but does not kill the virus already incorporated in the CD4+ cells or prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Side effects

Be aware of the possible side effects that Efavir (Efavirenz) can cause. Certain reactions are listed here:

§  Nausea

§  Fatigue

§  Vertigo

§  Lipodystrophy

§  Concentration difficulties

Your physician will regularly conduct various medical assessments so that your condition can be monitored. All side effects (no matter how mild) must be thoroughly reported. Rarely, serious reactions will occur. Should you experience bloody urine, abnormal behavioral disturbances, significant appetite reduction, speech problems, unexplained weigh increases or any other severe side effects, see your physician immediately.

Precautions

Efavir (Efavirenz) is unable to cure a HIV infection. Therefore, patients must bear in mind that precautions should be taken to stop them from infecting others. This includes practicing safe sex, avoiding the sharing of toothbrushes, razors or needles, as well as other measures.

Liver function tests will be a requirement for the entire duration of treatment with this medicine. Your physician may also need to check you regularly for signs of other serious conditions, such as osteonecrosis.