What is Sustiva?
Sustiva is used in combination with other HIV medicines to help manage HIV. Treating HIV helps to reduce your risk of experiencing complications of HIV including new infections and cancer. It is classified as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTIs) medication. Treating an HIV infection will not cure the condition but will improve your quality of life.
Sustiva (Efavirenz) Information
Sustiva dosage
Sustiva is taken orally on an empty stomach. It is usually ingested around bedtime but your doctor may provide you with a specific time to take it. You may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects if you take Efavirenz with food.
The capsules are intended to be swallowed whole. If it is difficult to swallow the capsule, you can mix in a teaspoon or two of applesauce, yogurt or jelly.
Ensure that you consume all of the contents of the capsule. You may need to put more food into the mixing bowl. Swallow the mixture immediately.
Avoid preparing the mixture for future use. An oral syringe can be used for infants that cannot eat solid food. Do not eat for two hours after taking your dose to reduce your risk of side effects.
Always take this as often as recommended by your doctor. Taking extra doses will not improve your condition and may cause adverse reactions. Stopping treatment early can cause the virus to spread and may make future treatment less effective.
How Sustiva works
Sustiva works by reducing the amount of HIV in the body. Decreasing your viral load helps your immune system to work better. You can still spread HIV while taking Sustiva. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you need counselling on how to avoid spreading the virus.
Sustiva side effects
This is not a complete list of potential side effects of Sustiva. Report side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. If you find them unmanageable, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. We also have a pharmacist that can provide counselling when you buy Sustiva online.
- rapid weight gain
- hives
- thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide
- dark urine
- open sores
- unusual tiredness
- headache (severe and throbbing)
- swelling of the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- tremor
- weight loss
- Blood in the urine
- fainting
- convulsions (seizures)
- confusion
- difficult or painful urination
- swelling or tenderness in the upper abdominal or stomach area
- double vision
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- skin rash or itching
- inappropriate behavior
- tightness in the chest
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- yellow eyes or skin
- tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- nausea or vomiting
- pain in the lower back or side
- nerve pain
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- delusions
Sustiva precautions and warnings
Always read and understand the medication guide provided with the product before you begin taking treatment. When you buy Sustiva online from Your Canada Drug Store, we always send the products in the manufacturer’s packaging.
Sustiva can cause heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation) which can cause dizziness, fainting and, in rare occasions, death. These risks can vary depending on your other medical conditions or medications you may be taking. Let your doctor know if you notice any concerning health changes after you start taking efavirenz.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Sustiva can potentially harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Your doctor may suggest forms of birth control.
If you discover you become pregnant after starting treatment, call your doctor immediately to check on the fetus's health. You may need to use infant formula to feed your baby during treatment.
Sustiva drug interactions
The following drugs are known to interact with Sustiva. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible drug interactions. It is important to disclose all your current vitamins, supplements, OTC drugs including prescription medicines.
Your doctor needs this information to prevent allergic reactions or adverse effects. They may have to determine if the interaction is worth the benefit of using both drugs.
- Tetrabenazine
- Orlistat
- Ondansetron
- Sunitinib
- Ifosfamide
- Oxaliplatin
- Haloperidol
- Lapatinib
- Iloperidone
- Paliperidone
- Lumefantrine
- Triptorelin
- Deflazacort
- Brigatinib
- Chlorpromazine
- Quinidine
- Estradiol
- Fosnetupitant
- Chloroquine
- Domperidone
- Dienogest
Sustiva Generic
Sustiva 50mg does not currently have a generic equivalent. It is uncertain when generic Efavirenz 50mg will be available for purchase. There is a generic for the 200 mg and 600 mg doses.
Sustiva coupon
Check here for discounts when buying Sustiva online.