For HIV.
Brand Name(s): Symfi
Generic Name: Efavirenz/Lamivudine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Instructions
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Take the medicine on an empty stomach.
Empty stomach means waiting at least 2 hours after a meal.
Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.
Always use condoms during sex.
Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.
Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.
This medicine may affect the strength of your bones. If you have or are at increased risk for osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), your doctor may recommend foods with calcium and vitamin D.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
This medicine may affect areas where fat is stored in the body. This may change your body shape.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- increased risk for bone fractures
- difficulty concentrating
- diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
- bad dreams
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
- vivid dreams or nightmares
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- loss of balance
- change in behavior
- bone pain
- confusion
- depression or feeling sad
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- changes in areas of body fat may alter your body shape
- fever or chills
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast or irregular heart beats
- irritability
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- muscle pain or weakness
- tight or rigid muscles
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- rapid breathing
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- slurred speech
- suicidal thoughts
- swelling in the neck or throat
- unsteadiness while walking
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about EFAVIRENZ/LAMIVUDINE/TENOFOVIR - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
