Atripla (Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir)

What is Atripla?

Atripla is a combination of three medications, efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Efavirenz belongs to a class of drugs called Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs). Emtricitabine and Tenofovir belong to a group of drugs called Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs).

What is Atripla used for?

Atripla is used to help control HIV infection (which causes AIDS or Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). However, this medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It helps reduce the amount of HIV in the body so as to make immune system work better. The medicine also lowers the risk of getting HIV disease complications.

How does Atripla work?

Atripla works by keeping HIV (virus) from reproducing in the body.

How to use Atripla

Atripla should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken once daily, on an empty stomach (without food). Prefer taking it at bedtime as it can reduce some side effects of the drug. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood and liver function tested on a regular basis.

Atripla warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine with drugs like cisapride (Propulsid), midazolam (Versed), voriconazole (Vfend), St. John's wort, triazolam (Halcion),lamivudine (Trizivir, Epivir, Atripla, Epzicom), efavirenz, emtricitabine, tenofovir (Sustiva, Truvada, Emtriva, or Viread),or an ergot medicine (e.g., D.H.E. 45, Ergotrate, Migranal, Ergotamine, or Methergine).

Avoid taking alcohol while using Atripla as it can increase some side effects of the drug. Also avoid performing activities that require alertness.

Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, osteopenia or low bone mineral density, Hepatitis B or C infection, or if you have a history of mental illness.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Atripla without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Atripla dose?

If you have missed your Atripla dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Atripla overdose?

If you have taken an Atripla overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Atripla interactions

Before taking Atripla, consult your doctor if you take methadone (Methadose); sertraline (Zoloft); cidofovir (Vistide) or adefovir (Hepsera);  valganciclovir (Valcyte), ganciclovir (Cytovene), acyclovir (Zovirax), or valacyclovir (Valtrex); blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); antibiotics such as itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin (Biaxin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), rifampin (Rifamate, Rifater), rifabutin (Mycobutin); seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal); a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem, Tiazac), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Covera, Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); other HIV medications such as didanosine (Videx), atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir/ lopinavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir; (Norvir); or cholesterol medications such as pravastatin (Pravachol), atorvastatin (L

Atripla side effects

Atripla side effects include hives, breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions.

Fever, chills, unusual weakness, body ache, swallowing trouble, stomach ache, loss of appetite, decreased frequency of urination, hallucinations, depression, uneven heart rate, red skin rash, severe blistering, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice are also side effects from Atripla. If you get any of these side effects or even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis after using Atripla, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, cough, stuffy or runny nose, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, vision problems, back ache, anxiety, mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, confusion, darkened skin on hands or feet, joint pain, insomnia, diarrhea, numbness or tingling, and changes in shape or location of body fat are some less serious side effects of Atripla.