Powered By
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children who weigh at least 40 kilograms.
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate contains three HIV medicines combined in one tablet: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
These medicines work against reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV-1 uses when making new copies of itself.
Doctors prescribe this medicine as a complete HIV-1 treatment or with other HIV-1 medicines. It is used in adults and children who weigh at least 40 kilograms.
HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is taken as a tablet by mouth once each day on an empty stomach.
Take it at the same time each day. Taking it at bedtime may make some nervous system side effects less bothersome.
The recommended dose is one tablet once daily on an empty stomach.
Each tablet contains:
If rifampin is taken at the same time in a person who weighs at least 50 kilograms, an additional 200 milligrams of efavirenz each day is recommended.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, the most common side effects occurred in at least 10 percent of people. These include:
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or by using the online chat.
Before starting efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, your doctor will test or check:
If you have chronic kidney disease, your healthcare provider will also check the phosphorus level in your blood.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate if you have had a serious allergic reaction to efavirenz. This includes serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Do not take this medicine with voriconazole or elbasvir/grazoprevir.
Do not miss doses or let your supply of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil run out. The amount of virus in your blood may increase, and the virus may become harder to treat.
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can harm an unborn baby. Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 12 weeks after you stop taking it.
If you can become pregnant, use two effective forms of birth control during treatment and for 12 weeks after stopping treatment. One method should always be a barrier method, such as a condom, contraceptive sponge, diaphragm with spermicide, or cervical cap.
Birth control methods that contain progesterone, such as some pills, injections, vaginal rings, or implants, may not work as well while you take this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about which birth control methods are right for you.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
A pregnancy exposure registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in people exposed to efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil. Healthcare providers can register pregnancies by visiting the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry website or calling 800-258-4263.
Do not breastfeed while taking efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The medicines can pass into breast milk, and HIV-1 can also pass to a baby through breast milk.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HIV?
In a study of people who had not taken HIV medicines before, 84 percent of those taking emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with efavirenz achieved and maintained an HIV-1 viral load below 400 copies per milliliter through week 48. This compared with 73 percent of people in the comparison group.
By week 144, 71 percent of people in the efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group had maintained an HIV-1 viral load below 400 copies per milliliter.
The study also looked at a lower viral load level. Through week 48, 80 percent of people achieved and maintained an HIV-1 viral load below 50 copies per milliliter. By week 144, 64 percent had maintained this level.
The average CD4-positive cell count increased by 190 cells per cubic millimeter at week 48 and by 312 cells per cubic millimeter at week 144. CD4-positive cells are immune cells that HIV can damage.
How long does efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate take to work for HIV?
The study report does not give one exact time when this medicine starts working against HIV-1. Study results were reported at set times, including weeks 48 and 144.
The efavirenz part of the medicine reached a steady level in the blood in about six to 10 days. However, this does not mean that HIV-1 will be controlled within six to 10 days.
Can efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate interact with other medicines?
Yes. Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can interact with many medicines. Some interactions can make this medicine or another medicine work less well. Others can raise the risk of side effects.
Do not take efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with voriconazole or elbasvir/grazoprevir.
Other medicines may need to be avoided, adjusted, or watched closely. These can include some HIV medicines, hepatitis C medicines, seizure medicines, antidepressants, antifungal medicines, antibiotics, tuberculosis medicines, cholesterol medicines, hormonal birth control, methadone, and medicines that can affect the kidneys.
Tell your healthcare provider about every medicine you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not start a new medicine without first checking with your healthcare provider.
On myHIVteam, people share their experiences with HIV, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and HIV care:
More resources from myHIVteam that mention Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Join to see what patients are asking about Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
