Lamivudine+stavudine+efavirenz
About Lamivudine+stavudine+efavirenz
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is used in the treatment of HIV infection. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine helps decrease the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine contains Lamivudine, Stavudine and Efavirenz. Lamivudine and Stavudine are synthetic nucleoside analogues, and Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with activity against the human immunodeficiency virus. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine works by interfering with the functions of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Together, Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine helps treat HIV infections.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is a prescription medication. You should take this medicine exactly as the doctor prescribed it. The common side effects of Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine are nausea, rash, anorexia (an eating disorder), abnormal dreams, dizziness, Fatigue, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, rash, fever, malaise (general discomfort), asthenia (weakness), headache, and insomnia. Most of these side effects of Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended to take Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine if you are allergic to any of its contents. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side effects; therefore, avoid alcohol consumption. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine, call your doctor immediately. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended for use in children.
Uses of Lamivudine+stavudine+efavirenz
Medicinal Benefits
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is used in the treatment of HIV infection.It contains Lamivudine, Stavudine and Efavirenz. These medicines work together to prevent the HIV virus from multiplying, which helps reduce the amount of viruses in your body. They help increase the CD4 cell count in your blood. CD4 cells are white blood cells that protect against infection, indicating improved immune function. This combination is part of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is crucial for managing HIV infection and improving the quality of life for those affected. It’s important to note that while this combination is effective, it may also come with side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and potential liver toxicity. It’s advised to take these medications on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime, to reduce side effects. To manage any side effects and guarantee the efficacy of the treatment, routine monitoring by a doctor is required.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lamivudine+stavudine+efavirenz
- Nausea
- Rash
- Anorexia (an eating disorder)
- Abnormal dreams
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Malaise (general discomfort)
- Asthenia (weakness)
- Headache
- Insomnia
Drug Warnings
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine. Before taking the Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you take. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended for children. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with HIV to prevent infection from spreading to others through sexual contact or body fluids. If you are pregnant and taking stavudine in addition to didanosine, your risk may increase. Inform your doctor if you have or have previously had a liver illness, which includes hepatitis C virus infection. Stavudine in Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine can cause significant or fatal lactic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the blood), which will most likely require hospitalization. Lactic acidosis is more likely to develop if you are a woman, overweight, or have been treated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs for an extended time.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine may interact with antirheumatic drugs (e.g. leflunomide, teriflunomide), antifungal medications (e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole, levoketoconazole), lipid-lowering drugs (e.g. lomitapide), certain other antiviral medications (e.g. atazanavir, tenofovir alafenamide), and certain antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
Drug-Food Interactions: Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine may interact with alcohol and alcohol-containing beverages. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake and Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine may interact with disease conditions, including hepatotoxicity (injury to the liver or impairment of the liver function), pancreatitis (Pancreas inflammation), renal dysfunction (kidney dysfunction), peripheral neuropathy, and bone marrow suppression.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol should be avoided while on treatment with Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine.
Pregnancy
cautionEfavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is given only if clinically needed and when the benefits outweigh the risks. When given to a pregnant woman in the first trimester, it could harm the fetus. Women on efavirenz should refrain from getting pregnant. Always use barrier contraception in conjunction with other forms of birth control.
Breast Feeding
unsafeHIV-positive women should refrain from breastfeeding to reduce the risk of HIV infection spreading to their unborn child. This recommendation comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mothers should also be advised not to breastfeed if they are receiving Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine due to the possibility of severe adverse reactions in nursing infants.
Driving
cautionPeople with central nervous system symptoms, such as lightheadedness, headaches, and/or sleepiness, should refrain from doing potentially dangerous activities, such as operating machinery or driving a vehicle after taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine.
Liver
cautionThe diminished hepatic function did not change pharmacokinetic parameters, so Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine dose adjustments for patients with impaired hepatic function are not necessary. The effectiveness and safety of Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine have not been proven in the decompensated liver disease being present.
Kidney
cautionPatients with reduced renal function (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min) are not advised to take Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine since renal insufficiency necessitates dose modification.
Children
unsafeEfavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is not recommended for children below 12 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, as they can make you prone to HIV infection.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Choose vitamin—and nutrient-rich foods such as dark green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits, which help boost your immune system. Choose lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
Attend every appointment with your doctor and laboratory. Your doctor will ask for tests to evaluate your body's response to Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. HIV spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine is used to treat HIV infection.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine contains Lamivudine, Stavudine and Efavirenz. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine acts by inhibiting the activity of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes required for virus replication. Together, Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine helps to cure HIV infections.
Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine does not cure HIV infection. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine reduces the amount of HIV in the body and improves the immune system's functioning.
HIV infection may still be transmitted to other persons while using Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine. Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine reduces the risk of transmission, but still, HIV infection is contagious. Therefore, discuss with a doctor regarding precautions to avoid transmission of HIV while taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine.
No, Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine should be taken in the dose and duration as the doctor advises. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
Do not stop taking Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine without consulting your doctor and without completing the prescribed course, as abrupt stopping may worsen your condition or it can lead to other infections. If you find difficulty using Efavirenz+lamivudine+stavudine, seek immediate medical help.
