Atripla (efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir)

Classification:

A combination drug consisting of a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (efavirenz) and two nucleoside analog reverse transciptase inhibitors (emtricitabine and tenofovir).

Form:

A tablet consisting of 600mg of efavirenz, 200mg of emtricitabine, and 300mg of tenofovir.

Dosage:

Take one tablet once daily

Instructions:

Atripla should be taken on an empty stomach at bedtime (to avoid the side effects associated with the efavirenz).

Side Effects To Report To Your Doctor:

The side effects are those of the three individual drugs contained in Atripla. They include:

• vivid dreams
• restlessness or anxiety
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• insomnia
• headache
• nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• loss of appetite

Important Note: About 5% of patients taking efavirenz experience severe psychiatric side effects. If you experience severe or worsening depression or other psychatric symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions:

Atripla has potential drug interactions with the following drugs:

• drugs to treat tuberculosis
• erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra or Cialis
• antiarrythmics (heart medicine)
• antihistamines
• methadone (can lower methadone levels)
• buprenorphrine (can lower buprenorphrine)
• St. John's Wort (can lower levels of Atripla)

Special Warning:

If you intend on becoming pregnant, think you are pregnant or have had a positive pregnancy test, contact your doctor immediately. Efavirenz should not be taken while pregnant.

For More Information:

To learn more about Atripla, try About.com's Drug Finder.

More medication fact sheets

_{Source: Fact Sheet Number 439; AIDS Infonet, 2006.}