Did your doctor prescribe you a new medicine to control your HIV status? That medicine may seem a bit long, right? Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir... This is actually three types of medicine. But for your convenience, all three types of medicine have been combined into one pill. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it, things to be careful about, and side effects, in a very simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this pill contains three types of drugs that fight the HIV virus. We call these antiretroviral drugs. This medicine is used as a treatment for HIV.
It is important to remember that this is not a cure for HIV . However, it does control the HIV virus in your body and keep it at a very low level. This will help keep your immune system strong and help you live a long, healthy life.
And when used correctly, this medicine greatly reduces the risk of passing the HIV virus to someone else. But it doesn't eliminate the risk completely. So it's important to continue to follow safe methods.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important to discuss your health history with your doctor before starting this medication. This information will determine if this medication is right for you. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Bone problems (such as previous fractures, osteoporosis )
- Heart conditions
- If you have previously been addicted to drugs or alcohol
- Mental problems ( depression , suicidal thoughts, or other mental illnesses)
- Conditions such as pancreatitis
- Conditions such as epilepsy or seizures
- If you have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine (Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir) or to other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
Talking openly about these things is very important for your safety.
How to use this medicine correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to take it as directed.
- How to take: Swallow this tablet with a glass of water.
- When to take: Take as directed by your doctor. This medication is usually taken at bedtime, as it can help to prevent dizziness while you sleep .
- Take on an empty stomach : This is very important. This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That means, take it at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal . Do not take this medicine with food.
- Take it on time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Do not skip doses: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine or skip a dose without your doctor's advice. If you miss such doses, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine. We call this `(Drug Resistance)`. After that, it is possible that these medicines will not be able to control the virus.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake,
immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Never take two doses at the same time. Other medications that may interact with this medicine
When taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, those bought at the pharmacy, painkillers, vitamins, traditional medicines, and even herbal products. Some medicines can interact with this medicine and cause problems. The table below only lists a few of these medicines. This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important
to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking .
| Drug type | Description and examples |
|---|
| Medicines that should not be taken | There are several medications that should never be taken while taking this medicine. Examples include: `voriconazole`, `rifapentine`, `elbasvir; grazoprevir`. |
| Medications that may cause problems | - Some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, rifampin)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin)
- Medications for heart disease and high blood pressure
- Antiepileptic drugs (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Hormonal medications, including birth control pills
- Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole)
- Painkillers (NSAIDS - e.g. ibuprofen)
|
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Medical tests: Attend regular clinic appointments as prescribed by your doctor. It is also very important to get blood tests done at the scheduled times.
- Serious skin reactions: Sometimes, a serious allergic skin reaction can occur weeks after starting this medicine. If you develop red, itchy skin with fever, body aches, blisters, blistering of the skin, sores inside the mouth, or swelling of the face or lips, call your doctor immediately.
- Hepatitis B: If you have Hepatitis B, you should definitely talk to your doctor before stopping this medication, as stopping this medication may worsen the symptoms of Hepatitis B.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery , until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed.
- Birth control: This is very important. Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medication. Therefore, if you want to prevent pregnancy, you should definitely use another form of birth control, such as a condom . Talk to your doctor about this.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
Classification of side effectsSide effects that require immediate medical attentionCommon side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist
- Severe skin blistering, itching, peeling
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe mental changes (severe depression, suicidal thoughts)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle pain or weakness
| - Signs of liver damage (dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme fatigue)
- Severe nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach pain
|
- Cough, wheezing
- Diarrhea (stomach ache)
- Insomnia, strange dreams
- Headache
- Changes in body shape, such as fat accumulation in certain areas of the body (abdomen, back) and thinning of the arms, legs, and face
|
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time, on an empty stomach. Never miss a dose.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as severe skin blistering and swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine does not cure HIV. It only controls it. So continue to follow safe methods.
- If you are a woman of childbearing potential, it is essential to use an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this medicine.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any problems. They are there to help you.
HIV, Efavirenz, Lamivudine, Tenofovir, Antiretroviral, HIV Treatment, AIDS, Medication, Side Effects, Health
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