Estiva 600

Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) belongs to the class of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) drugs used for managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection. Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) is not employed for curing HIV infection but preferred for preventing the multiplication of HIV in the system. Besides, it increases the number of T cells in the blood (boosting immunity) which assists in fighting the infections.

Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) is administered as a 600 mg dosage (1 tablet) in adults. It is taken once daily in combination with other antiviral drugs [protease inhibitors/nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)] as a part of HAART therapy. Whereas, in children, over 3 months or older, the 600 mg (1 tablet) dose once daily is ideal however, the weight of the children should be 40 kgs or greater.

In terms of administration, Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) is swallowed orally on an empty stomach before going to sleep at night. The bedtime dosage improves tolerability against symptoms of the nervous system. Once it enters into our system, Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) takes around 3 to 5 hours to absorb. Subsequently, it reaches the site of infection for binding (affinity around 99.5%) with viral cells. Finally, after its activities, Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) gets ejected from the body in between 52-76 hours following a single dose and 40-55 hours after multiple dosages.

Warnings and Precautions:

General warnings before taking Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz):

• Avoid sharing or reusing needles and injectable equipment
• Do not take or give personal items like toothbrushes and razor blades
• Avoid having intercourse (sex) without using protection
• If patients are pregnant avoid breastfeeding as HIV may pass to the baby via breast milk

Serious warnings for Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz):

Before starting and in between the therapy, the healthcare provider should be informed about the underlying health conditions which include,

1. Mental health problems with symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, distrust, hearing/seeing things that are not real, sudden quietness.
2. Problems in the nervous system with symptoms like dizziness, difficulty in sleeping (insomnia), concentration problems, drowsiness, and abnormal dreams which is seen mostly in the first week of administration
3. Skin rash with or without itching is the common side-effect of Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) but diminishes without changing the regimen
4. Liver problems with the advent of Hepatitis B or C infections
5. History of unexpected and overpowered disturbances in the brain (Seizures)
6. Changes in the body fat and immune system (Immune reconstitution syndrome)
7. Pregnancy is not allowed while taking Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) and for at least 3 months after ending the regimen

Side-effects of Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz)

Side-effects associated with skin rashes:

• Fever
• Face swelling
• Lesions or blisters on the skin
• Sores on the mouth
• Red or pink eye (Conjunctivitis)

Side-effects associated with liver failure:

• Dark coloured urine
• Loss of urge to eat
• Sickness in the stomach
• Pain in the lower part of the stomach
• Skin or white part of the body turning yellow (Jaundice)

Most common side-effects:

• Rashes
• Abnormal dreams
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in sleeping and concentrating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Nausea

Note: Estiva 600 mg (Efavirenz) may show other side-effects as well. Please refer to your doctor if you witness any others.