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efavirenz: Drugs Search Results from the Invisible Web

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:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 9/14/2008

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (RXList)

Brand Name : Sustiva
Generic Name : Efavirenz

Overview (Source: MedicineNet)
Efavirenz is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is similar to nevirapine (Viramune) and delavirdine (Rescriptor). Efavirenz is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, the infection continually spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Efavirenz directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses. Unlike zidovudine, efavirenz does not need to be converted to an active form. Efavirenz does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV. Efavirenz was approved by the FDA in 1998. ...
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MedLinePlusWhy is this medication prescribed?
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DrugInfoOnlineefavirenz

Precautions (Source: MedLinePlus)
Before taking efavirenz, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to efavirenz or any other medications. do not take astemizole (Hismanal) (no longer available in the United States); cisapride (Propulsid) (no longer available in the United States); ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel), cabergoline (Dostinex), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Bellergal-S, Cafergot, Ergomar, Wigraine), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax); midazolam (Versed); triazolam (Halcion); or voriconazole (Vfend) while taking efavirenz. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetaminophen (Tylenol, others); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants; antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Lexxel, Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nisoldipine (Sular), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); chlorpheniramine in over-the-counter cold products; cholesterol-lowering medications (statins); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin, Prevpac); danazol (Danocrine); dexamethasone (Decadron); er ...
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Side Effects (Source: MedLinePlus)
Efavirenz may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; indigestion; drowsiness; dizziness; headache; difficulty concentrating; confusion; forgetfulness; nervousness; strange thoughts; abnormally happy mood; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; unusual dreams; pain. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately: sore throat, cough, fever, chills, or other signs of infection; rash; itching; blisters or sores on skin; peeling skin; fainting; extreme tiredness; lack of energy; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of the skin or eyes; flu-like symptoms; seizures. Efavirenz may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html ] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. ...
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RXList Side Effects & Drug Interactions
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DrugInfoOnline efavirenz

Further Reading on efavirenz

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