Sustiva (Efavirenz)

What is Sustiva?

With a generic name efavirenz, Sustiva is an HIV-1 specific, non-nucleoside, reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).

What is Sustiva used for?

Sustiva, in combination with other HIV medicines, is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). It is used for increasing the count of CD+4 white blood cells in patients suffering from HIV-1.

How does Sustiva work?

As Sustiva is an NNRTI of HIV-1, it works by noncompetitive inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). With the use of this drug, the transfer of infection to other cells slows down and it shields other uninfected cells from the disease.

How to use Sustiva

Sustiva should be taken on an empty stomach, as taking it with food increases the amount of medicine in the patient’s body. This medicine should be taken in combination with other HIV drugs, as Sustiva cannot work alone. Take it with a glass of water. Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely.

Sustiva warnings and precautions

Be careful and report any other medication that you are taking, to your physician. Your doctor should be aware, if you plan a pregnancy or want to remain sexually active.

Inform your doctor about any history of liver troubles or mental illnesses. Also tell him if you have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or if you have ever had delavirdine or nevirapine to treat your condition. Visit hospitals regularly for knowing the status of virus and CD+4 counts.

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

If you have missed your Sustiva dose, you should take it right away. Avoid taking two doses, if it is almost time for your next dose and then follow the recommended regimen.

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

If you have taken a Sustiva overdose, you should call a doctor at once. Overdosage increases the activities of the nervous system and sometimes even causes involuntary muscle contraction.

Sustiva interactions

It has been found that Sustiva induces CYP3A and other compounds that are substrates of CYP3A and it also results in reduced plasma concentrations. The CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 isozymes in the range of efavirenz plasma concentrations are also inhibited. Using Sustiva with drugs that are metabolized by these isozymes may change the plasma concentrations of the co-administrated drug. There is no dosage adjustment required for Sustiva’s use with aluminum/magnesium hydroxide antacids, cetirizine, paroxetine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, zidovudine and lorazepam.

Sustiva side effects

Sustiva, if not taken with caution, can have serious side effects. Only your doctor can be an expert in predicting any side effects that you may face after taking the drug.

Patients generally confront problems like abnormal dreaming, excessive thinking, agitation, confusion and dizziness. Some might witness fever, headache, problems in concentration, insomnia, loss of identity, nausea and vomiting.

Skin rashes are the most common type of side effects of Sustiva that people come across. However, these rashes disappear gradually. But if they persist for a long time, it is recommended that you should contact your doctor.

It can also cause hair loss, dry mouth and severe headaches. Initially, when you start taking Sustiva, your immune system can undergo some inflammatory reactions to other infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis.

Sustiva is sometimes also related to some liver related problems. Therefore, it is important to stay in touch with your doctor so that the progress of the drug can be evaluated.