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General Medication Fact Sheet for Sustiva
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Sustiva |
| Generic Name | Efavirenz |
| 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, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, abnormal dreams, nausea |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe rash, depression, suicidal thoughts, liver problems, nervous or mental problems |
| Drug Interactions | Many drugs interact with efavirenz. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to check for interactions with other medications you are taking. Examples include: certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), other HIV medications, St. John’s Wort, and hormonal contraceptives. |
| Important Notes | Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, to reduce central nervous system side effects. Women should avoid pregnancy while taking efavirenz. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine), Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide), Triumeq (dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine) |
Sustiva Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) | NNRTI and NRTI combination | Single-tablet regimen combining efavirenz with two other antiretroviral drugs. |
| Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) | Integrase Inhibitor and NRTI | Two-drug regimen that may be suitable for some patients. |
| Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) | Integrase Inhibitor and NRTI combination | Single-tablet regimen that is a complete HIV treatment. |
| Triumeq (dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine) | Integrase Inhibitor and NRTI combination | Single-tablet regimen that contains abacavir; genetic testing is required before use. |
Sustiva Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Rash | Severe rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) |
| Dizziness | Depression |
| Insomnia | Suicidal thoughts |
| Difficulty concentrating | Liver problems (hepatitis, liver failure) |
| Abnormal dreams | Nervous or mental problems (psychosis, anxiety, aggression) |
| Nausea | Seizures |
Sustiva Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV-1 Infection (adults) | 600 mg | 600 mg once daily | Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. |
| HIV-1 Infection (pediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg) | 600 mg | 600 mg once daily | Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Use appropriate formulation and dose for lower weights. |
Sustiva Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $100 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $1,750 |
| From CPS | $500 |
