Efarenz 600 Tablet belongs to the group of medications called ‘antiretroviral drugs’ used to treat HIV infection in adults and children of at least 3 months old and weighing at least 3.5 kg. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that over time leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Efarenz 600 Tablet is used with other medicines to control and reduce the amount of HIV in the body so that the immune system can work in a good way.

Efarenz 600 Tablet contains 'Efavirenz' which is a ‘nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor’ and works by interfering with the normal working of enzymes (reverse transcriptase in HIV ) that are essential for the production of viruses. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV.

Take Efarenz 600 Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take Efarenz 600 Tablet as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition. The common side effects of Efarenz 600 Tablet are trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, unusual dreams and trouble concentrating. However, seek medical attention if the side effects persist.

Do not take Efarenz 600 Tablet if you are allergic to Efarenz 600 Tablet or any other contents present in it. Efarenz 600 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver and kidney diseases. Consult a doctor immediately if you develop any new signs of infection while using this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding. It is important to monitor liver functions during the treatment, in persons with liver disease including hepatitis B or C infection. Older adults are sensitive to the side effects of Efarenz 600 Tablet, so dosage adjustment is required.

Efarenz 600 Tablet is used with other medicines to control and treat HIV infection. This medicine helps to reduce the amount of HIV, which in turn improves the natural defense system(immune system ) of the body. When a person takes Efarenz 600 Tablet, it goes into their bloodstream and interferes with the action of an enzyme ( reverse transcriptase (RT)), that is used by HIV infected cells for their growth and making new viruses. HIV destroys the white cells of the body that are important for protecting the body from other infections. Efarenz 600 Tablet slows down the destruction of these white cells and stops the virus from copying it. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, Efarenz 600 Tablet helps to lower the risk of getting serious infections associated with HIV and allows a person to live a normal life.

• Rash
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Liver failure
• Increased cholesterol increased triglyceride levels
• Drowsiness
• Abnormal dreams
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating

Efarenz 600 Tablet is not a complete treatment of HIV infection however this medicine helps to reduce the HIV in the body so that the immune system of the body can protect the body from other infections associated with a weak immune system. To reduce the chance of spreading HIV to others it is suggested to keep taking all the HIV medicines suggested by your doctor. Use an effective contraceptive method during sexual activity and never share your personal items like needles, syringes toothbrushes with anyone as these products may have liquid with HIV. This medicine contains lactose, so inform your doctor if you have an intolerance to any sugars. 

Drug-Drug interactions: Efarenz 600 Tablet may interact with a medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C (paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir/ombitasvir), antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin), cholesterol-lowering statins (atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin), and protease inhibitors (boceprevir, simeprevir) and drugs to treat HIV infection (elvitegravir).

Drug-Food interactions: Avoid high fatty meals as it may reduce the absorption of the drug in the body. 

Drug-Disease interactions: Efarenz 600 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe heart, liver or kidney diseases.

• PARITAPREVIR
• RITONAVIR
• DASABUVIR
• OMBITASVIR
• ITRACONAZOLE
• KETOCONAZOLE
• CLARITHROMYCIN
• ATORVASTATIN
• PRAVASTATIN
• SIMVASTATIN
• BOCEPREVIR
• SIMEPREVIR
• GANCICLOVIR
• CIDOFOVIR

• Eat a diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Opt for lean meat such as skinless chicken and fish. Limit processed and high-sugar foods.
• Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons and oranges.
• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
• Exercise regularly as it promotes both physical and mental health.
• Take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection to other people.

• Your doctor may regularly monitor liver function, kidney function and bone density if you take Efarenz 600 Tablet.
• Reliable method of contraceptives should be used to prevent pregnancy while using Efarenz 600 Tablet.

Human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV): It is a virus that suppresses the immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time. The suppression of immunity leads to the development of opportunistic infections. It is a life-long condition and there is no permanent cure. The treatment (antiretroviral therapy) is given to suppress the infection. If the right treatment is not provided, then it may affect and kill immune cells which can put the body at high risk of getting serious infections. HIV can transfer from one person to another by blood, vaginal and rectal fluids, breast milk and semen.