SUSTIVA

Drug Name: SUSTIVA

SUSTIVA DESCRIPTION:
EFAVIRENZ - ORAL (eh-FAV-er-enz)

COMMON SUSTIVA BRAND NAME(S):
Sustiva

SUSTIVA SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly skin rash. Unlikely but report promptly mood/mental changes, dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin or fever. Very unlikely but report promptly seizures. Some side effects (such as dizziness, drowsiness, certain mental changes) may decrease as your body adjusts to the drug. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE SUSTIVA:
SUSTIVA: Take SUSTIVA by mouth, generally once daily as directed with or without food. Avoid taking this with a high fat meal. Best taken at bedtime during the first month of use. Using SUSTIVA regularly at bedtime may decrease certain side effects. Do not take more or less of SUSTIVA than prescribed, or stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor.

SUSTIVA WARNING:
Efavirenz must be used with other proven anti-HIV medications because HIV quickly becomes resistant to efavirenz when it is used alone. It is not known how effective SUSTIVA is in the long- term treatment of HIV.

SUSTIVA USES:
SUSTIVA is used to treat HIV infection in combination with other anti-HIV medications.

SUSTIVA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies, mental disorders, liver disease (such as hepatitis), Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving), since SUSTIVA may cause dizziness, drowsiness or unsteadiness. Women in the childbearing years should have a pregnancy test before using SUSTIVA. Pregnancy should be avoided while using SUSTIVA. Barrier-type (latex condom) birth control should always be used along with other methods of birth control (such as birth control pills). If already pregnant, use SUSTIVA only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether SUSTIVA is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions. Caution is advised when using SUSTIVA in children, as this group may be more likely to develop rash.

SUSTIVA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam, ergot drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine, methysergide), other drugs causing liver problems (e.g., isoniazid), indinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, warfarin, clarithromycin and drugs causing drowsiness such as sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric drugs (e.g., amitriptyline), anti-seizure and anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), and St John's wort. Many nonprescription products (e.g., cough-and-cold products) contain antihistamines. Check labels carefully. Consult your pharmacist. SUSTIVA may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as cannabinoids/marijuana false positive result). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

SUSTIVA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

SUSTIVA NOTES:
This product is not a cure for HIV infection but has shown positive results. The long-term effects are unknown at this time. Keep all doctor appointments and scheduled laboratory tests (e.g., liver function) as your condition will be checked closely. Be aware that this product does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This is a potent product which should not be shared. Do not allow anyone else to use your medication.

MISSED SUSTIVA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

SUSTIVA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert ( TM ) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.