Sustiva

Efavirenz

Efavirenz, FDA-approved for treating HIV-1 infection and post-exposure prophylaxis, is available in 600 mg tablets and 50 mg or 200 mg capsules. These tablets are ideal for once-daily dosing, help reduce viral load, and enhance immune function. Always consult healthcare providers before starting or changing your regimen. For convenience, consider you can buy Efavirenz online from a Canadian pharmacy.

Product Overview

Efavirenz is a critical component in the management of HIV-1 infection, utilized both as a primary treatment and for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These tablets help suppress HIV, thereby reducing its presence in the blood and enhancing immune system functionality. The simple once-a-day dosing regimen of Efavirenz encourages treatment adherence, which is pivotal for managing the virus effectively. When considering to buy Efavirenz online from a Canadian pharmacy, it’s important to note the convenience and potential cost savings associated with purchasing medications from reputable online sources.

Efavirenz is available in various forms and strengths, such as 600 mg tablets and 50 mg or 200 mg capsules, to suit different patient needs and parts of combination therapy strategies. The standard adult dosage is 600 mg, taken once daily, with pediatric doses adjusted according to body weight. 

To maximize its efficacy, it’s essential to follow medical advice on how to properly take Efavirenz, especially regarding consuming the medication on an empty stomach and not crushing or chewing the tablet. Efavirenz interacts with various drugs like Voriconazole and Raltegravir and may affect hormonal contraceptives’ efficacy. Adverse effects can range from nausea and dizziness to serious psychiatric effects. 

What Are the Uses of Efavirenz?

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

What Are the Benefits of Efavirenz? 

• Helps reduce levels of HIV in the blood, enhancing immune function. 
• Simple treatment regimens, improving adherence.

What Are the Side Effects of Efavirenz?

Common Efavirenz’s side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Mild to moderate headaches
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Rashes
• Psychiatric effects

 

[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Efavirenz?

• Form: Tablets

• Strength: 600 mg, taken once a day.

• Form: Capsules

• Strength: 50 mg and 200 mg, used as part of combination therapy.

What Is the Typical Dosage of Efavirenz?

Dosage for Adults

• Daily dose of 600 mg once daily.

Dosage for Pediatric Patients

• Depending on body weight, the dosage ranges from 200 mg to 600 mg once daily. 

Dosage for Infants and Toddlers:

• Not recommended for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age due to dosage and safety considerations.

How to Take Efavirenz?

• Swallow the Efavirenz whole with water. Avoid breaking, crushing, or chewing it.
• Open the capsule and sprinkle its contents onto a small amount of soft food like applesauce, yogurt, or grape jelly. Consume immediately without saving for later.
• Do not eat for 2 hours after taking Efavirenz, especially when using the sprinkle method. This ensures the medicine is absorbed correctly into your system.
• Efavirenz dosage may need to be adjusted based on a child’s weight gain or loss. Healthcare providers should continuously monitor the child to maintain effective dosing.
• Always adhere to the medication guide provided with Efavirenz. Consult your medical expert or pharmacist if you need clarification on the instructions.

What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Efavirenz? 

If you miss a dose of Efavirenz, the general guideline is to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and proceed with your routine dosing schedule. Do not simultaneously take two doses of Efavirenz to make up for the missed dose. This approach helps prevent the potential for increased side effects from doubling up on the medication​.

[Note: Do not simultaneously take two doses of Efavirenz to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]

What Happens When You Overdose on Efavirenz?

In case of an overdose, the recommended course of action includes general supportive measures, monitoring vital signs, and observation of the clinical status of the patient. Activated charcoal might also be administered to help remove any unabsorbed drug. Efavirenz is highly protein-bound, and dialysis is unlikely to be effective in removing the drug from the bloodstream​.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Efavirenz Work?

Efavirenz works as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). They target and inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication of HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS. By blocking this enzyme, Efavirenz prevents the virus from multiplying and can help to control the infection. However, Efavirenz is not effective against HIV-2 due to differences in the enzyme’s structure in this strain. It’s important to note that Efavirenz must be used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to be effective and to prevent the development of drug resistance​.

What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Efavirenz?

• Always take Efavirenz as part of a combination therapy with other antiretroviral drugs.
• Take this medication on an empty stomach, ideally at bedtime, to minimize side effects.
• Efavirenz may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Use dual contraception methods and avoid pregnancy during treatment.
• Regular liver function tests are recommended, especially for those with existing liver issues.
• Be vigilant for changes in mental health, such as severe depression or unusual thoughts.
• It is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to the risk of defects.
• Monitor for interactions, particularly with drugs metabolized by CYP3A or CYP2B6 enzymes.

How Do You Store Efavirenz?

• Store at room temperature, specifically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Keep the tablets from excess heat and moisture, so avoid storing them in the bathroom.
• Always keep Efavirenz in the container, tightly closed to protect it from air and light.
• Ensure that the medication is out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

What Drugs Interact with Efavirenz? 

• Voriconazole
• Rifampin
• Atazanavir
• Raltegravir
• Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Fosamprenavir, Ritonavir)
• Psychotherapeutic Agents
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Phenobarbital)
• QT Prolonging Drugs
• Drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (CYP3A, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19)
• Praziquantel
• Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir
• Tenofovir DF

[Note: This list of Efavirenz interactions is not complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]

What Are the Efavirenz Alternatives?

• Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
• Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
• Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
• Symfi (efavirenz / lamivudine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
• Symfi Lo (efavirenz / lamivudine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
• Complera (rilpivirine / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
• Stribild (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
• Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
• Juluca (dolutegravir / rilpivirine)
• Odefsey (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir alafenamide)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Efavirenz alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Efavirenz Cost & Coupons

Health insurance coverage can significantly impact the affordability of Efavirenz, with many Americans facing high costs due to lack of coverage for this medication. To address this financial burden, some individuals choose to buy Efavirenz from Arctic Meds, a service that offers these tablets at lower prices by sourcing them from Canada for customers in the USA. This option provides a cost-effective solution for those struggling with the expense of necessary medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should Efavirenz be taken without food?

Efavirenz is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach because consuming food can increase the medication’s absorption into the body. Higher levels of the drug lead to an increase in side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Therefore, taking Efavirenz without food helps to reduce the likelihood of experiencing these adverse effects.

Why should Efavirenz be taken at bedtime?

Efavirenz is usually taken at night because it can cause neurological side effects such as dizziness, problems with concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and balance issues. Administering it at bedtime can minimize the impact of these side effects during waking hours, helping patients tolerate the medication better.

Can Efavirenz interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills?

Yes, Efavirenz may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills containing progestins, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. If you are concerned about this potential interaction, discuss alternative forms of contraception with your healthcare provider. Additionally, using condoms not only serves as a backup method for preventing pregnancy but also helps in preventing the transmission of HIV.

Is Efavirenz safe to use during pregnancy?

Efavirenz is generally advised against during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to an increased risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Women who can become pregnant are often required to use two effective forms of contraception while taking Efavirenz. Additionally, some hormonal contraceptives may be less effective with Efavirenz. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider immediately. They can discuss safer alternatives for managing HIV during your pregnancy.

Our Guarantee

At Arctic Meds, we guarantee that you will find the most competitive prices to buy Efavirenz through our platform. As the best Canadian online pharmacy, we are committed to delivering only the highest quality products. Each order is fulfilled through a reputable and licensed Canada pharmacy online, ensuring that every product we ship meets stringent standards of quality and authenticity. Our reliable service ships your medications directly from Canada right to your doorstep. To seamlessly buy Efavirenz online from Canada at a low price, contact us.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information available on the Arctic Meds website is intended to enhance awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions. It is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any prescription or non-prescription medication. Our platform offers access to a broad selection of products sourced from various countries, including Canada. We operate with both a licensed partnered pharmacy located in Canada along with reputable dispensing pharmacies located globally. All affiliated fulfillment centers are approved by the regulatory bodies of their respective countries.