Efavirenz+Lamivudine+Tenofovir Disoproxil
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | HIV Infection |
| Therapy | Anti-Retroviral |
| Side Effects | Skin rash, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping. |
Medicines
available
19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Efavirenz+Lamivudine+Tenofovir Disoproxil is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medicine containing efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir. It is prescribed as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the management of HIV infection. Using multiple antiviral agents in one medicine improves treatment adherence and reduces the risk of viral resistance. This medicine must be taken daily and under strict medical supervision.
Efavirenz belongs to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). It works by directly inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which HIV uses to replicate its genetic material. By blocking this enzyme, efavirenz reduces the multiplication of the virus in the bloodstream and helps strengthen the immune system over time.
Lamivudine and tenofovir are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They act by incorporating themselves into the viral DNA chain during replication, causing premature termination of viral DNA synthesis. When used together with efavirenz, this triple-drug combination effectively suppresses viral replication, lowers viral load, and delays disease progression. However, regular monitoring of liver, kidney, and bone health is recommended during therapy.
This medicine should be taken as directed by your doctor. Take it with a glass of water, at the same time every day, for optimal results. Common side effects include skin rash, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Do not discontinue this medicine on your own. It is important to note that this medicine is not a cure for HIV infection.
Uses
Efavirenz+Lamivudine+Tenofovir Disoproxil is used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults and adolescents. It helps reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load), improves immune function, and lowers the risk of HIV-related complications and opportunistic infections. It is not a cure for HIV, but it helps in long-term disease management when taken regularly as prescribed.
Contraindications
When should one not use Efavirenz+Lamivudine+Tenofovir Disoproxil
- If you are allergic to efavirenz, lamivudine, tenofovir, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- If you have severe liver disease.
- If you have a heart condition such as changes in heart rhythm or rate, a slow heartbeat, or severe heart disease.
- If any of your family members (parents, grandparents, brothers, or sisters) have died suddenly due to a heart problem or were born with heart problems.
- If your doctor has told you that you have high or low levels of electrolytes like potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Skin rash
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
- You have a history of mental illness, including depression, or substance or alcohol abuse.
- You have a history of liver disease, including active chronic hepatitis or elevated liver enzymes.
- You have a heart disorder, such as an abnormal electrical signal called prolongation of the QT interval.
- You have inflammation of the pancreas.
- You have bone-related issues.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Efavirenz decreases the virus in your bloodstream, boosts your immune system, and minimises the likelihood of HIV-related diseases. Lamivudine and tenofovir stop the virus from growing, which lowers its concentration in the blood. When used together, they help manage HIV infection.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- It is crucial to tell your doctor, if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including herbal preparations. This medicine can interact with many medicines, affecting their levels in your blood and potentially causing serious side effects or making the medicines less effective. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor your blood levels.
- Especially if you are currently taking astemizole or terfenadine (for allergy symptoms), bepridil (for heart disease), cisapride (for heartburn), ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine) (for migraine and cluster headaches), midazolam or triazolam (to help you sleep), pimozide, imipramine, amitriptyline, or clomipramine (for certain mental conditions) elbasvir or grazoprevir (for hepatitis C), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (a herbal remedy for depression and anxiety), flecainide, metoprolol (for irregular heart beat), certain antibiotics (macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole), triazole antifungal agents, certain antimalarial treatments or methadone (for opiate addiction).
Interactions with food items
- Take Efavirenz+Lamivudine+Tenofovir Disoproxil as directed by your doctor. Food, especially high-fat meals, can increase the amount of efavirenz in your blood, so ask your doctor whether to take it on an empty stomach.
- Avoid alcohol while on this medicine, as it can increase the risk of liver damage and worsen side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.
- Limit consumption of high-fat or fried foods, as these can make digestion more difficult and cause more stomach discomfort.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day to lower the risk of kidney problems.
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and helps your body process the medicine more effectively.
- If you are using any herbal supplements (such as St. John's Wort), avoid them, as they may reduce the effectiveness of Efavirenz+Lamivudine+Tenofovir Disoproxil.
Dosage
Overdose
If you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor or the nearest emergency department for advice immediately. Keep the medicine container with you so you can easily describe what you have taken.
Missed a Dose
Try not to miss a dose. If you do miss a dose, take the next dose as soon as possible. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Articles
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References:
- Efavirenz 600mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. [Cited 2nd June 2026]
- Efavirenz 600mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. [Cited 2nd June 2026]
- Lamivudine 100 mg Film-coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. [Cited 2nd June 2026]
- Tenofovir [Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2025 [Cited 2nd June 2026]
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