Sustiva Oral

In Depth

Generic Name: EFAVIRENZ - ORAL
Pronounced: (eh-FAV-er-enz)

Sustiva Oral Warning

Efavirenz is known to interact with many different types of medicines, in some cases causing severe (sometimes fatal) reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about which medications should not be taken with efavirenz. (See also Drug Interactions section.)

Sustiva Oral Side Effects

Dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble concentrating may occur. These common side effects may lessen over time, and they may be decreased by taking efavirenz on an empty stomach at bedtime. Avoid alcohol and street drugs while taking efavirenz. They may worsen these side effects.

Other common side effects include tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or diarrhea.

If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

mental/mood changes (depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, angry behavior, hallucinations)
tingling/numbness of hands or feet

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

fever
chills
persistent sore throat
muscle weakness/tenderness/pain
stomach/back/abdominal pain
dark urine
yellowing eyes/skin
vision changes
ringing of the ears

Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes 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.

If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience a return of symptoms from an old infection. Symptoms might include:

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