EFAVIRENZ (EFV)

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) antiretroviral medicine

Dosage Forms

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Capsule

200 mg

Tablet

200 mg
600 mg

Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) Tablet

TDF 300 mg + FTC 200 mg + EFV 600 mg
TDF 300 mg + 3TC 300 mg + EFV 600 mg

Uses

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  • HIV/AIDS

Dose and Duration

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HIV infection, first line treatment (with TDF + 3TC)
Adult:600 mg once daily at night
Child > 3years: As in table below; once daily at night
Weight (Kg) Dose (mg)
10–13.9 200 mg once daily
14–19.9 300 mg once daily
20–24.9 300 mg once daily
25–34.9 400 mg once daily
>35 600 mg once daily
HIV infection, alternative first line treatment (in combination with AZT + 3TC)
Adult:600 mg once daily at night
eMTCT, first line treatment (with TDF +3TC)
Adult: 600 mg once daily at night

Contraindications

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  • Children <3 years
  • Severe liver disease
  • Severe kidney disease

Side Effects

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  • Sleep disturbances, abnormal dreams (nightmares)
  • Reduced concentration, dizziness, headache
  • Suicidal behaviour, depression
  • Rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, itching
  • Stomach upset

Interactions

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  • Ergometrine (increased ergometrine toxicity)
  • Lopinavir (reduced concentration of lopinavir)

Patient Instructions

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  • Preferably take at bedtime
  • Take with a fatty meal
  • Take medicine at the same time every day
  • Mild rash may develop, usually goes away within a month; do not worry
  • Report immediately to health worker if any severe depression, mental disorders, or suicidal ideas occur
  • Report immediately to the health worker if any severe rash with blisters, peeling skin, mouth ulcers, or fever occur

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use

Breastfeeding

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  • Discontinue breastfeeding

⚠️ Caution

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  • Discontinue the medicine if patient has severe rash with blistering and fever; or if severe depression, psychoses, and suicidal ideas occur