LAMIVUDINE,TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE,EFAVIRENZ
Background and Date of Approval
Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate is a fixed-dose combination of antiretroviral medicines approved for therapeutic use in 2018.
Uses
Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate are indicated as a complete regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 40kg.
How is it administered?
Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are available as film-coated tablets consisting of 600mg of Efavirenz, 300mg of Lamivudine, and 300mg of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The usual recommended dosage of this combination regimen is one tablet every day, preferably at bedtime.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate Tablet are impaired concentration, abnormal dreams, headache, nausea, muscle pain, tiredness, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, insomnia, pain, depression, asthenia, and cough. Some serious adverse reactions include bone loss, worsening of Hepatitis B, acute kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome, etc. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report it to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Efavirenz, lamivudine, or Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Patients who are diagnosed with pancreatitis or at risk of pancreatitis should take this combination of medicine with caution. During the Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure, seizures, pancreatitis, bone disease, fractures, liver or kidney problems. Seek immediate medical attention from a nearby hospital if you experience any psychiatric symptoms like depression or suicidal thoughts during this treatment.
Precautions
Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Avoid getting pregnant during and 12 weeks after the last dose of Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment, as this combination regimen is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the potential transmission of HIV from the mother to the baby.
Word of Advice
Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may cause tiredness and dizziness. During treatment with these medicines, avoid driving or operating machinery.
References
KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872. Mylan Laboratories Limited., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2019] [Accessed on 21st Oct 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022142s037lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not take with Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate ?
It is not recommended to take Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablets with other HIV medications. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
How can Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablets be stored?
Store Efavirenz, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablets below 30°C in their original container, away from the reach of children.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet?
If you missed a dose of Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablet, take one tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip this dose and take your next dose as per schedule. Do not take two doses to compensate for the missed dose.
What are the required laboratory parameters before taking Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate treatment?
If you are an adolescent or adult of childbearing potential, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy test before prescribing this treatment. Other prominent tests include HBV infection, serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein.
How do you know if you are hypersensitive to Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?
Watch out for symptoms like severe rash, Stevenâs Johnsons syndrome, and swelling of the face or lips, and immediately reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.