Sustiva (efavirenz) is an antiviral medication. Sustiva is in a category of HIV medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Sustiva is used with other medicines in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Sustiva will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune

Sustiva contains the active ingredient efavirenz, which is a type of medicine called a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Sustiva is used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, over

Take Sustiva every day, exactly as prescribed.

Take Sustiva on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Taking Sustiva at bedtime reduces the likelihood of side effects such as dizziness, impaired concentration, weakness, abnormal dreams, or drowsiness.

Adults
600 milligrams of Sustiva once a day, taken in combination with other HIV medications.

Children 3 years of age and older (by weight)

The recommended dose of Sustiva is based upon weight

10 to 15 kilograms

The following medicines must not be taken with Sustiva, as Sustiva can cause their blood levels to increase, causing serious or life-threatening side effects:

• Astemizole
• Terfenadine
• Cisapride
• Midazolam
• Triazolam.

The herbal remedy St John\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s wort should also not be taken with Sustiva , as it may decrease the blood levels of Sustiva . This could make Sustiva less effective against the virus, and could also

Most Important Fact about Sustiva
Sustiva can only slow down the progress of HIV, it is not a cure. HIV-related infections remain a danger, so frequent checkups and tests are still advisable.

Sustiva precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Sustiva has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have found that Sustiva causes birth defects and other problems. A pregnancy test is recommended before starting treatment with Sustiva . In addition,

More common side effects of Sustiva may include:

• abnormal dreaming,
• abnormal thinking,
• amnesia,
• agitation,
• confusion,
• cough,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• feelings of well-being,
• fever,
• hallucinations,
• headache,
• impaired concentration,
• insomnia,
• loss of identity,
• nausea,
• skin rash,
• vomiting

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