Sustiva (generic name: Efavirenz; brand names include: Efavir / Stocrin) belongs to a category of HIV medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Sustiva is used to help treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It is used in combination with other appropriate medicines used to treat the HIV virus. Examples include protease inhibitors such as indinavir and nelfinavir or nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as zidovudine or lamivudine.

Sustiva was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV in 1998.

Sustiva works by interrupting the formation of new HIV particles in already infected cells. When HIV is attacked by Sustiva, the virus is not able to reproduce normally. This helps reduce the amount of virus in the blood.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Sustiva exactly as directed.

Your doctor will tell you how many capsules or tablets you need to take each day.

For adults and children weighing more than 40 kg, the normal dose is 600 mg once daily (that is three 200 mg capsules, or one 600 mg tablet, once a day). It is important that you are started and continue on this dose. The dose for children weighing 40 kg or less is calculated by body weight.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).

Take Sustiva at the same time(s) every day, preferably at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Continue taking Sustiva for as long as your doctor prescribes. If you have a break in therapy or reduce your dose temporarily, the virus may develop resistance and therefore Sustiva may no longer be effective. If, for any reason, your therapy with Sustiva is interrupted or stopped, tell your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your capsules as you would normally. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

Keep Sustiva at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Sustiva, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have liver disease, including chronic hepatitis B or C, or high cholesterol;
you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.

Do not give Sustiva to children under 3 years of age or those who weigh less than 13 kg.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: efavirenz.