Sustiva
(efavirenz)
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
Our bottom line
Sustiva (efavirenz) is one of the most widely used and effective components of an HIV medication regimen. However, it is not a first-line choice because it can have a lot of side effects.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- If first-line choices for HIV medications are not an option, Sustiva (efavirenz) would be a good alternative to consider.
- Only taken once daily.
- Sustiva (efavirenz) is available in combination tablets.
- Can be used in patients with mild to moderate kidney damage.
- Can be used in children who are at least 3 months old.
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What to expect from Sustiva, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Not suggested for women who plan on becoming pregnant.
- Many people exerience intolerable side effects (eg. insomnia, dizziness, abnormal dreams, confusion), which make it hard to take the medication regularly.
- Cannot be taken alone for treatment of HIV.
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What to expect from Sustiva, on one page
Download Fact SheetSustiva (efavirenz) is a Non-Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It treats HIV by stopping the virus from replicating within cells in your immune system.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$323.45 - Get free discount
$340.94
What to expect when you take Sustiva (efavirenz) for HIV treatment
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Rash
Side effect rates for Sustiva (efavirenz)
- Skin rash16%16%
- Diarrhea14%14%
- Pain13%13%
- Skin rash11%11%
- Nausea10%10%
- Dizziness9%9%
- Skin rash9%9%
- Itching9%9%
- Fatigue8%8%
- Headache8%8%
- Insomnia7%7%
- Vomiting6%6%
- Nausea6%6%
- Pain6%6%
- Dizziness6%6%
- Trouble concentrating5%5%
- Depression5%5%
- Fatigue5%5%
- Headache5%5%
- Diarrhea5%5%
- Headache5%5%
- Skin rash5%5%
- Itching5%5%
- Indigestion4%4%
- Anxiety4%4%
- Depression4%4%
- Abnormal dreams3%3%
- Diarrhea3%3%
- Trouble concentrating3%3%
- Vomiting3%3%
- Nausea3%3%
- Abdominal pain3%3%
- Depression3%3%
- Diarrhea3%3%
- Abdominal pain3%3%
- Sleepiness2%2%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Anxiety2%2%
- Nervousness2%2%
- Pain2%2%
- Sleepiness2%2%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Nervousness2%2%
- Dizziness2%2%
- Nervousness2%2%
- Fatigue2%2%
- Headache2%2%
- Loss of appetite2%2%
- Nausea2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Sustiva.
People taking Sustiva felt side effect more
People taking Sustiva felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Sustiva (efavirenz)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Starting Sustiva (efavirenz) for the first few weeks.
- › Taking alcohol or other drugs that also affect your nervous system
Some patients experience central nervous system side effects when starting Sustiva (efavirenz), such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and strange dreams. Taking Sustiva (efavirenz) at bedtime will help lower the risk of experiencing these side effects. These symptoms are common in the first few weeks of starting treatment and usually go away. If symptoms don't improve or are preventing you from taking your medications regularly, let your doctor know.
Common concerns from people taking Sustiva (efavirenz)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?The FDA hasn’t classified this medicine’s effects on unborn babies. Talk with your doctor about this medicine if you’re pregnant or planning on it.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Liver damage has been reported in patients who use Sustiva (efavirenz). Your doctor might do blood tests to check your liver regularly. If you notice yellowing of the eyes or the skin, or dark urine, talk to your doctor right away.
- Can be used in patients with mild to moderate kidney damage.
- Some patients experience central nervous system side effects when starting Sustiva (efavirenz), such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and strange dreams. Taking Sustiva (efavirenz) at bedtime will help lower the risk of experiencing these side effects. These symptoms are common in the first few weeks of starting treatment and usually go away. If symptoms don't improve or are preventing you from taking your medications regularly, let your doctor know.