EFAVIR 600-30 TAB

What is Efavir 600 mg Tablet?

Efavir 600 mg contains salt called Efavirenz. It belongs to the class of medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is an antiviral medicine used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV- 1) infection. It acts to reduce the amount of the virus present in the blood. It also strengthens your immune system and reduces the risk of developing an illness related to HIV infection. It must be taken in combination with other antiretroviral agents for effective results. This tablet is prescribed to adults and children that are at least 3 months old.

What Efavirenz drug is used for?

Efavirenz is sold under the brand name Sustiva. It is manufactured by Cipla Limited. It is an antiviral medicine that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Efavirenz is used to treat HIV, a virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is for adults and children who are at least 3 months old and weigh at least 8 pounds. It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. This is in a class of medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works to decrease the amount of HIV in the blood. it may decrease the chances of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking this medicine along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting ( spreading ) HIV to people.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It harms your immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps your body infection. This puts you at risk for serious infections and certain cancers.

• How does HIV spread?

HIV can spread in different ways:

1. Through unprotected sex with a person with HIV. This is the most common way that it spreads.
2. By sharing drug needles 
3. Through contact with the blood of a person with HIV
4. From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

• What are the signs and symptoms of HIV infection?

The first signs of HIV infection may be flu-like symptoms:

Fever

Chills

Rash

Night sweats

Muscle aches

Sore throat

Fatigue

Swollen lymph nodes 

Mouth ulcers

These symptoms may come and go within two or four weeks. This stage is called acute HIV infection.

The Efavir Tablet comes as a capsule and as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with plenty of water on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take efavir at around the same time every day. Taking an efavir tablet at bedtime may make certain side effects less. Before taking medicine consult your doctor. Dose and duration will be decided by the necessity and need of the patient. It depends on the treatment and may change from time to time. You should take medicine as per your doctor’s advice. This medicine is strictly not recommended for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It takes some weeks and months to get a better result. Do not stop taking the medicine before your doctor’s advice.

Common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and rash. If these side effects become serious, you consult with your doctor. Your doctor can prevent and give relief from the side effects. It makes you feel better during the treatment. 

Benefits of Efavir Tablet 

• In the treatment of HIV infection

This tablet is an antiretroviral medication. It is used for HIV prevention and treatment. It belongs to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors., a class of drugs. It helps to control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body and makes your immunity work better. It reduces the chances of getting HIV complications like co-infections and other cancers. It improves your immunity so that your body works better than before.

Side effects of Efavir Tablet

Here are Some major and minor side effects of this medicine. But not all side effects need doctor attention. If you observe any side effects become serious, You may consult your doctor.

Some of the common side effects of this medicine include:

Rash

Headache

Dizziness

Decrease in Granulocyte count

Insomnia ( Difficulty in sleeping)

Sleepiness

Vomiting

Allergic reaction

Nausea

Abnormal Dreams

Fatigue

Increased Liver enzyme

Anxiety

Fever

Itching

How is the Efavir Tablet taken?

The Efavir Tablet comes as a capsule and as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with plenty of water on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take efavir at around the same time every day. Taking an efavir tablet at bedtime may make certain side effects less. Always take this medicine as per your doctor’s consultation. Dose and duration will decide your doctor. You are not allowed to crush, chew and break the medicine. Swallow it as a whole. Drink plenty of water. Do not miss the dose. If you miss a dose skip the missed dose and follow your schedule regularly on the next day. Do not double the dose. Take medicine every day on time as prescribed by your doctor. Much other medicine can affect this medicine so let your doctor know all medication you are using during the treatment.

How does the Efavir Tablet work?

Efavir Tablet effectively inhibits the activity of viral reverse transcriptase (RNA- directed DNA polymerase) enzymes, It decreases the generation of DNA copies of viral and RNA and the synthesis of new viruses. This reduces the level of HIV in the blood.