Sustiva Efavirenz

Product Description

Sustiva (Efavirenz)

Brand name: Sustiva

Active Ingeridents(Generic Name) : Efavirenz

Company Name: Bristol-Myers Squibb

Package:90 Capsules

Strength : 200mg

Indication:

This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Sustiva (Efavirenz) belongs to a class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Mechanism of action:

Sustiva (Efavirenz) falls in the NNRTI class of antiretrovirals. Both nucleoside and non-nucleoside RTIs inhibit the same target, the reverse transcriptase enzyme, an essential viral enzyme which transcribes viral RNA into DNA. Unlike nucleoside RTIs, which bind at the enzyme's active site, NNRTIs act allosterically by binding to a distinct site away from the active site known as the NNRTI pocket.

Sustiva (Efavirenz) is not effective against HIV-2, as the pocket of the HIV-2 reverse transcriptase has a different structure, which confers intrinsic resistance to the NNRTI class.

As most NNRTIs bind within the same pocket, viral strains which are resistant to Sustiva (Efavirenz) are usually also resistant to the other NNRTIs, nevirapine and delavirdine. The most common mutation observed after Sustiva (Efavirenz) treatment is K103N, which is also observed with other NNRTIs.

Dosage and Administration:

Use Sustiva (Efavirenz) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

·         An extra patient leaflet is available with Sustiva (Efavirenz). Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

·         Take Sustiva (Efavirenz) by mouth on an empty stomach. Taking Sustiva (Efavirenz) with food, especially with a high-fat meal, may lead to increased blood levels of Sustiva (Efavirenz). This may increase your risk of side effects.

·         Take Sustiva (Efavirenz) with a full glass of water (8 oz [240 mL]).

·         Swallow Sustiva (Efavirenz) whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. If you cannot swallow Sustiva (Efavirenz) whole, tell your doctor.

·       Side effects:

Dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble concentrating may frequently occur. These side effects may begin 1-2 days after starting this medication and usually go away in 2-4 weeks. They are also reduced by taking Sustiva (Efavirenz) on an empty stomach at bedtime. Avoid alcohol and street drugs while taking Sustiva (Efavirenz). They may worsen these side effects. Tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.

Precaution:

Before taking Sustiva (Efavirenz), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Store:

Store Sustiva (Efavirenz) at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light.