A single-tablet regimen, combining efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in one pill, taken once a day. It may be marketed under the name Atripla, but generic versions are also available.
Some drugs can interact with efavirenz and cause dangerous side-effects. Some examples are ergot alkaloids (used to treat migraine and cluster headaches and to control labour); midazolam (an anaesthetic); or St John's wort.
Some drugs can interact with efavirenz and change blood levels of one or both drugs, so dose adjustments may be needed. These drugs include some drugs used to treat bacterial infections such as TB (including clarithromycin, rifabutin and rifampicin), anti-fungal treatments, anticonvulsants, statins, methadone, sertraline, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants and warfarin.
Efavirenz can make some contraceptives less effective. Your healthcare team will help choose the right method of contraception for you.
Not suitable for anyone with resistance to NNRTIs.
Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), psychosis, liver inflammation.
Difficulty in sleeping, tiredness, abnormal dreams, impaired concentration, dizziness, rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headache, anxiety, depression, raised liver enzyme, creatine kinase and amylase levels, skin darkening, low blood phosphate levels, weakness, stomach pains, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, loss of appetite, raised blood sugar and triglyceride levels.
Take on an empty stomach – this can reduce the risk of some side-effects. The tablet should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush or split it. Some people find taking it with food reduces side-effects, but avoid taking it with a high-fat meal; this may increase absorption of the drug, potentially increasing side-effects.
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil may cause confusion or dizziness (because of the efavirenz, which often happens during the first few weeks of taking it); people often find it helpful to take it before going to bed or earlier in the evening.
Triple-drug combination in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 600mg efavirenz (an NNRTI), 200mg emtricitabine and 245mg tenofovir disoproxil (both NRTIs). It is available as a generic drug so appearances may vary.