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Efavirenz-Lamivu-Tenofov DisopPronounced"EF-a-VIR-enz/la-MIV-ue-deen/ten-OF-oh-vir" UsesThis combination product is used by itself to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. This product is a combination of 3 different drugs: efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir. Efavirenz belongs to a class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Lamivudine is called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and tenofovir is called a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Lamivudine and tenofovir are often called NRTIs. Efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. How to Use This MedicationRead the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime on an empty stomach. Taking this medication at bedtime may help decrease some side effects. It is very important to keep taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. |