Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate is a complete regimen consisting of antiviral medications, which was approved for its medical use on 12th July 2006.

Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate is indicated as a complete regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection in adults and paediatric patients older than 12 years of age.

Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is available as film coated tablets consisting of 600mg of Efavirenz, 200mg of Emtricitabine and 300mg of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The usual recommended dosage of this combination regimen is one tablet every day, preferably at bedtime.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate Tablet are diarrhoea dizziness, impaired concentration, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle pain, tiredness, rash, pain, depression, and electrolyte imbalance. Other possible side effects include high body fat and dark spots or freckles on skin. Some serious adverse reactions include bone loss, pancreatitis, worsening of Hepatitis B, acute kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome, etc. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report to your doctor immediately.

Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Efavirenz, Emtricitabine or Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Patients who are diagnosed with pancreatitis or at risk of pancreatitis should take this combination medicine with caution. During the Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure, seizures, pancreatitis, bone disease, fractures, mental illnesses, liver or kidney problems. Seek immediate medical attention from a nearby hospital if you experience any psychiatric symptoms like depression or suicidal thoughts during this treatment.

Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Avoid getting pregnant during and 12 weeks after the last dose of Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment as this combination regimen is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential transmission of HIV from mother to the baby.

Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil Fumarate can make you feel tired and dizzy. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines during this treatment

1. KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872.
2. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Limited., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2022] [Accessed on 21st Oct 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9129.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.