Taking Efavirenz When You're Hiv Positive

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Get the Facts

Efavirenz (Sustiva)

What Is Efavirenz? Efavirenz is a drug used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is also called Sustiva or Stocrin. It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Generic versions have been tentatively approved under PEPFAR (see Fact Sheet 475 ). Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (a "non-nuke" or NNRTI). These drugs stop HIV from multiplying by preventing the reverse transcriptase enzyme from working. This enzyme...

Ask the Experts

I just found out my boyfriend is HIV positive , what do I do? (PREGNANCY: HIV POSITIVE MALE AND HIV NEGATIVE FEMALE 2010)

My boyfriend and I have been together about a year and he contracted HIV about two months ago. I love him and I've chosen to stay with him but I am concerned for my own health because I do not have HIV. We have used condoms when we have sex but...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,I'm sorry to hear about your boyfriend's recent HIV diagnosis. Regarding your risk, I suggest you read through the information in the archives of this forum in the chapters dedicated to magnetic couples, HIV-sexual prevention and... Read more »

A positive story about Atripla (specifically sustiva/efavirenz) rash

This isn't a question but a story. I wanted to share my experience of starting Atripla as I've seen a lot of people posting questions about the rash.I found out I had HIV 18 months ago and started Atripla 7 months ago. A week in I...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Thanks for sharing your experience--treating through a severe rash due to an HIV medication such as efavirenz in the ATripla can be nerve-racking for the patient and caregivers since often will resolve but rarely the situation can worsen and even... Read more »

emtricitabine, tenofovir, efavirenz first line offensive

I use the term "first line offensive" with strong conviction to anyone considering beginning treatment. I was diagnosed HIV positive in April of 2003 and suspect having been HIV positive for some time prior to that given the last time I...

Response from Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D.

Rocky Mountain CARES

Thanks for your thoughtful post.The combination of tenofovir (Viread)/ emtricitabine (Emtriva)/ efavirenz (Sustiva) is a newer low pill count option for first line treatment of HIV. While there aren't any formally presented studies on the... Read more »

Statistics - Pregnancy and Efavirenz

Dear Dr LeeI am planning to become pregnant in the near future. I am 36, 12 years HIV positive. CD4 +900, VL <50. I currently take AZT, DDI and Sustiva. I have been taking this combination for over 6 years and luckily suffer no side effects....

Response from Sharon Lee, M.D.

University of Kansas Medical Center

If you look at the FDA warning on the use of antiretrovirals in pregnancy, you will see that the only medicine that is actually not recommended in pregnancy is Sustiva. There is a reason for this. The actual numbers of reported birth defects (in... Read more »

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Employment drug test positive which HIV med is it

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

I have recently changed my combination to 3TC, Abacavir and Efavirenz. I work within an industry that requires regular and random drug and alcohol testing. My urine tests are now coming back positive for canabanoids ( I dont smoke dope). I can have... Read more »

Efavirenz: ways to fight its sleep-reduction.

Posted by BrokenWingedBird, 1 Reply

If Efavirenz (and Efavirenz along)is really wrecking your sleep quality, then the only solution is to stop taking Efavirenz (and substitute it with another drug).

However, there are ways to ensure your sleep is as good as possible.

Important discovery: Read more »

I am HIV positive, I tested positive a year ago.

Posted by DELRAELADAMSCH, 1 Reply

Hello I am HIV Positive and I have been taking the necessary medication and I tested positive a year ago. Read more »

Have a positive HIV treatment story?

Posted by HIVstories

Are you currently taking HIV medication and want to share your positive treatment story with others?
Compensation will be provided to those whose stories are selected.

Go to http://www.shareyourhivstory.com/info.pdf to find out more. Read more »

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