Are you taking Efavirenz ? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Efavirenz with certain foods and herbs? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
SUSTIVA (Efavirenz) capsules
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St. Johns Wort: Taking St. John's wort may lower Efavirenz levels, resulting in increased viral load and possible drug resistance or cross-resistance to other antiretroviral drugs (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
SUSTIVA (Efavirenz) capsules
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References
1. SUSTIVA (Efavirenz) capsules https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/20972s13lbl.pdf
2. National Library of Medicine: Efavirenz MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699004.html#
Efavirenz Interactions with Food and Herbs
High-fat meals:When Efavirenz is taken with a high-fat meal, which increases the blood level of the medication, it can lead to potentially dangerous side effects (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceSUSTIVA (Efavirenz) capsules
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St. Johns Wort: Taking St. John's wort may lower Efavirenz levels, resulting in increased viral load and possible drug resistance or cross-resistance to other antiretroviral drugs (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
SUSTIVA (Efavirenz) capsules
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When and How to Take Efavirenz
- Efavirenz is available in the form of a capsule and a tablet to be taken orally.
- It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach with water (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
- Swallow the tablets and capsules as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
- Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
- Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
- Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
- Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Library of Medicine: Efavirenz MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Go to source).
References
1. SUSTIVA (Efavirenz) capsules https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/20972s13lbl.pdf
2. National Library of Medicine: Efavirenz MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699004.html#
