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.
