What is Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz?

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat Emtrictabine and Efavirenz combination medicine is an antiviral drug that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV from multiplying in your body. This medication is prescribed for the treatment of HIV which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Atripla and Viraday (made by Cipla). This medicine may also be prescribed for treatments not mentioned here.

Important Information about Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz combination HIV antiviral medicine (Atripla, Viraday) will not cure your body of HIV. You can still spread the virus to other people through infected blood (via needles, razors, or toothbrush) or through unsafe sexual practices (ensure proper barrier contraception). You must take care about these things and employ proper measure so as not to spread the virus.

You must not take Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz with cisapride, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, St. John’s Wort, voriconazole, lamivudine, any other medicines that contain efavirenz, emtricitabine, or tenofovir, or ergot medicines like dihydroergotamine, egonovine, ergotamine, or methyergonovine. These drugs can interact with Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz causing dangerous side effects. There may be other medicines that can interact with Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz. Inform your doctor about all other medicines which you may be using. 

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz is an FDA pregnancy category D drug. It is not recommended for use if you are a pregnant woman as it can harm an unborn baby. You must use a proper barrier contraceptive method while taking Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz and for at least 12 weeks following the end of you treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not treated properly during pregnancy. Remember to take all medications for HIV as prescribed to prevent your baby from contracting the HIV virus. 

Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people (especially overweight females and those with liver disease) who took Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz. Initial symptoms of lactic acidosis may deteriorate over time and can prove fatal. Hence you must get medical attention right away on first signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in the limbs, breathing trouble, stomach pain, or nausea with vomiting.

Before taking Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz

Before taking Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz, take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug. Also, to ensure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have these conditions: liver disease (including hepatitis B or C) or kidney disease, mental illness in the past, osteopenia, or if you use antipsychotic drugs.

How should I take Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz?

Take Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz HIV medication (Atripla, Viraday) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.

Take Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz combination medicine on an empty stomach at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. HIV is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Always take the prescribed drugs as directed by your doctor. Store this medication in a cool and dry place.

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz can cause a false positive drug screening test. Inform the laboratory staff where you have your drug test done that your are taking this medicine. Always store Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz in a cool and dry place.
If you have Hepatitis B, you may develop liver symptoms even after stopping Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz. These symptoms may be seen for months after stopping. You may be required to take regular tests to monitor your liver function.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz, get emergency medical attention or call the Dcotor immediately. Overdose can cause uncontrolled muscle movements.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz will not help your body get rid of HIV. It will stop the growth and multiplication of the virus. Chances of spreading the HIV will still remain the same through unprotected sex, infected razors, needles or toothbrush. Hence, avoid these activities and things. This medication may make you dizzy and impact your thinking and reflexes. Be careful while doing activities like driving and others which require a high level of mental awareness. 

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz Side Effects

Some common side effects of Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz are dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual dreams, and concentration troubles. You may experience these side effects after 1-2 days of starting this medicine and usually subside in 2-4 weeks. These side effects can be reduced by Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz on an empty stomach at bedtime. Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz also causes a rash which is common but it may be confused with a rare and serious rash. Let your doctor know immediately if you get a rash.

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz can lead to severe psychiatric problems such as severe depression, confusion, suicidal thoughts, aggression, extreme fear, hallucinations, or unusual behavior. Inform you doctor right away if you get any of these side effects while taking Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz, even if you have had them before.

Some people may experience deterioration of a previous medical condition as their immune system recovers, or develop new conditions due to overactive immune system. Let your doctor known right away if you develop any new condition or any of you existing conditions worsen.

The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away. 

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz Dosing Information

Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

You must not take Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat,Emtrictabine and Efavirenz with other cisapride, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, ergot medicines like dihydroergotamine, egonovine, ergotamine, or methyergonovine. These drugs can interact with Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz causing dangerous side effects.

You must tell your doctor in advance if you are using any of these medicines: antidepressants, blood thinners, cholesterol lowering drugs, certain antibiotics and antifungals, heart or blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressive drugs (used after organ transplant), or seizure medicines. However these are not all the possible drugs. There may be other medicines that can interact with Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarat, Emtrictabine and Efavirenz. Inform your doctor about all other medicines which you may be using.