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Sustiva Information

Sustiva (Efavirenz) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat and control HIV-1 infection in adults and children above three months. Sustiva also helps to decrease the amount of HIV (viral load) in the body of the affected person so that the immune system can work better. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) such as Sustiva work by binding and blocking reverse transcriptase (an HIV enzyme. HIV uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA (reverse transcription. Blocking reverse transcriptase and reverse transcription prevents HIV from replicating. Efavirenz is not a cure for HIV infection and does not prevent the transmission of the disease.

Sustiva Side Effects

The most common side effects of Sustiva may include rash, nausea, vomiting, low mood (depression), cough, insomnia, diarrhea, and elevated total cholesterol.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects such as:
• Hallucination or unusual dreams;
• Mood disorders such as severe depression, aggressive behaviour, or manic reactions;
• Severe abdominal pain;
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
• Thought of harming or killing yourself;
• Trouble concentrating;
• Unexplained weight loss

Sustiva Precautions

Before taking Efavirenz, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. It is crucial to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Sustiva is a capsule that should be taken orally on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Taking Efavirenz with food increases the blood level of this medication, which may increase your risk of certain side effects. Avoid taking alcoholic beverages when taking Sustiva medicine as this may worsen the side effects. It would be best to know that Sustiva does not cure HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or condoms) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contaminated blood or other body fluids. Inform your doctor if you discover that your condition is getting worse.

Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history; if you have QT prolongation, low level of potassium or magnesium, kidney disease, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), seizure disorder, mental illness or psychosis including depression or schizophrenia. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your drugs as prescribed to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby, and Efavirenz may be part of that treatment. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. If your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk. Sustiva is effective and safe for children above three months of age. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Sustiva and other medications such as carbamazepine, voriconazole, ranolazine, lefamulin, lorlatinib, nevirapine, dronedarone, and fostemsavir. Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom.

Do I need a prescription to order Sustiva?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Sustiva.