Uses of Avifanz: - HIV infection HIV infection Severe hepatic impairment; hypersensitivity; lactation.

Drugs for HIV / Anti-retroviral drugs

Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with activity against HIV-1. It blocks the RNA- and DNA-dependent polymerase activities including HIV-1 replication.

How to use Efavirenz: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Efavirenz is to be taken empty stomach. Administration: Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Adult Dose: Oral HIV infection Adult: Combined with other antiretrovirals: 600 mg once daily. Dosing at bedtime recommended during 1st 2-4 wk of therapy to improve tolerability. Hepatic impairment Mild (Child-Pugh Class A): Dose adjustment not necessary; use caution Moderate-to-severe (Child Pugh Class B or C): Not recommended Child Dose: Oral HIV infection Child: Combined with other antiretrovirals: >3 yr, 10-14 kg: 200 mg; 15-19 kg: 250 mg; 20-24 kg: 300 mg; 25-32.4 kg: 350 mg; 32.5-39 kg: 400 mg; >40 kg: 600 mg. To be taken once daily. Renal Dose: Renal impairment: No dosage adjustment needed

Hormonal contraceptives; antibacterial e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, clarithromycin; enzyme inducers. St. John's wort may decrease serum level. Ethanol (hepatic and CNS adverse effects). Potentially Fatal: Life-threatening adverse effects when used with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam and ergot alkaloids.

Severe hepatic impairment; hypersensitivity; lactation.

Common - Headache - Dizziness - Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood) - Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) - Sleepiness - Vomiting - Allergic reaction - Nausea - Abnormal dreams - Fatigue - Increased liver enzymes - Anxiety - Fever - Itching - Difficulty in paying attention - Increased triglyceride level in blood - Rash >10% Total cholesterol increased (20-40%),Diarrhea (3-14%, children up to 39%),HDL increased (25-35%),Dizziness (28.1%),Rash (5-26%),Fever (children 21%),Depression (19%),Insomnia (16.3%),Cough (children 16%),Vomiting (3-12%),Anxiety (2-13%),Nausea (2-12%) 1-10% Neutropenia (2-10%),Pruitis (9%),Impaired concentration (8.3%),Transaminases increased (2-8%),Somnolence (7.0%),Abnormal dreams (6.2%),Amylase increased (6%),Hyperglycemia (2-5%),Dyspepsia (4%),Abdominal pain (2-3%),Anorexia (2%),Hallucinations (1.2%)

Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).Lactation: Efavirenz may pass through breast milk and cause serious harm to the baby. It should not be used during lactation.

Precaution: Mild to moderate liver disease; renal impairment. Monitor liver enzymes and cholesterol. Discontinue if severe skin rash or fever develops; known or suspected hepatitis B or infection. History of mental illness or seizures; elderly. Pregnancy. Children. Lactation: It is not known whether efavirenz is excreted in milk. It should not be administered to nursing mothers. The CDC advises HIV-infected women not to breast-feed to avoid postnatal transmission of HIV.

Symptoms: Increased adverse CNS effects including involuntary muscle contractions. Management: Supportive and symptomatic treatment. May administer activated charcoal.

Store at 25°C.

Drugs for HIV / Anti-retroviral drugs

Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with activity against HIV, blocks the RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent polymerase activities including HIV replication.

Pregnancy Category: D Lactation: Unknown if distributed in human milk; the CDC advises HIV-infected women not to breastfeed to avoid postnatal transmission of HIV