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General Medication Fact Sheet for Efavirenz
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Efavirenz |
| Brand Name Versions | Sustiva |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Efavirenz can cause serious psychiatric symptoms, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis. It can also cause birth defects. |
| Purpose | Antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV-1 infection |
| Mechanism of Action | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that binds directly to reverse transcriptase, blocking RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 50 mg, 200 mg, 600 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily |
| Common Side Effects | Rash, dizziness, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe rash, liver problems, psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, psychosis), seizures, allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Many medications interact with efavirenz. Examples include: certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), and other antiretrovirals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist. |
| Important Notes | Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, to reduce nervous system side effects. May cause false-positive results on urine tests for marijuana. Avoid alcohol. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Rilpivirine, Dolutegravir, Darunavir |
Efavirenz Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rilpivirine (Edurant) | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) | Another NNRTI; must be taken with a meal. Not suitable for patients with high viral load. |
| Dolutegravir (Tivicay) | Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) | An integrase inhibitor; generally well-tolerated. |
| Darunavir (Prezista) | Protease inhibitor (PI) | A protease inhibitor; often boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat. |
Efavirenz Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Rash | Severe rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) |
| Dizziness | Liver problems (hepatitis, liver failure) |
| Nausea | Psychiatric symptoms (severe depression, suicidal thoughts, psychosis) |
| Headache | Seizures |
| Trouble sleeping | Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
| Abnormal dreams | Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) |
Efavirenz Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV-1 Infection (Adults) | 600 mg once daily | 600 mg once daily | Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. |
| HIV-1 Infection (Children) – Dose varies based on weight | Varies based on weight | Varies based on weight | Consult a healthcare provider for specific dosing instructions. |
Efavirenz Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $180 – $350 |
| From CPS | $41.95 |
