Efavirenz Oral Capsule (EFAVIRENZ - ORAL)

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

You may open the capsule and sprinkle onto applesauce. Eat the applesauce without chewing the medicine.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions for all blood tests.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• loss of balance
• difficulty concentrating
• constipation or diarrhea
• coughing
• depression or feeling sad
• dizziness
• bad dreams
• lack of energy and tiredness
• headaches
• mood changes
• nervousness
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• blurring or changes of vision
• vivid dreams or nightmares
• vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• change in behavior
• confusion
• fainting
• fever or chills
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• loss of movement anywhere on the body
• muscle pain
• muscle trembling or weakness
• shortness of breath
• red, peeling or blistering skin
• slurred speech
• light colored stool
• suicidal thoughts
• difficulty swallowing
• swelling in the neck or throat
• unsteadiness while walking
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.