Estiva 600mg Tablet are used in the following: 

• HIV treatment
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• CD4 cell count management
• Prevention of HIV-related complications
• Reduction of opportunistic infections
• Management of drug-resistant HIV strains

Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), operates by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is essential for the replication of the HIV. Specifically, it binds to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme and prevents it from converting RNA into DNA. This action effectively impedes the virus's ability to integrate its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell, thereby inhibiting its replication and reducing the viral load in the body. By hindering the replication of the virus, efavirenz helps to slow down the progression of HIV infection and aids in the preservation of the immune system's function.

Inform the doctor about your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Efavirenz, reducing effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Store at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C
• Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.
• It should not be frozen.
• Keep away from children and pets.

Estiva 600mg Tablet is primarily administered orally, usually as tablets. It is typically taken orally once daily, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare professional.

Estiva 600mg Tablet causes some side effects like all medications, although not everyone will experience them. 

Serious

• Psychiatric symptoms
• Severe skin reactions
• Liver problems

Common

• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Drowsiness
• Abnormal dreams
• Impaired Concentration or confusion

Be mindful of any signs of depression, unusual behavior, or mood changes, and inform your healthcare provider if you notice any after taking Estiva 600mg Tablet. Regularly monitor your liver function to ensure the medication is not causing any adverse effects. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using this medication with your doctor. Similarly, if you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider to assess the potential risks to the nursing infant. Be cautious about potential interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as they could affect the effectiveness of this medication. Additionally, be aware that it can cause dizziness and vivid dreams, so it's important to be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving. Always take it as part of combination therapy to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of HIV, and maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the appropriate management of your condition.

1. EFAVIRENZ-HIGHLIGHTS of PRESCRIBING INFORMATION.; [Revised September 2011] [Accessed 26th Oct 2023]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020972s038lbl.pdf
2. Efavirenz 600mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (EMC). www.medicines.org.uk. [Published July 2022] [Accessed May 26th Oct 2023] http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7070/smpc
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs,7th edition, 2013, 809.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1643.