What does it do?

Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir is used to control HIV.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or mental health problems, or if you have ever had hepatitis B or C.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir regularly as directed a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
It is very important to take efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir regularly. If you often forget to take it, it may not work as well.

Do not stop taking efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir without talking to your doctor first, unless you get a severe skin rash (see side effects).

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir can react with many medicines, sometimes with severe results. Remember to tell your pharmacist or doctor you are taking efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir before starting any other medicines or treatments, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Severe skin rash, skin peeling or blisters	Stop taking and see your doctor immediately
Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Suicidal thoughts	Tell your doctor immediately
Unusual behaviour or thinking, low mood, anxiety	Tell your doctor
Headache Darkening of skin or fingernails Stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Drowsiness, dizziness, trouble concentrating Trouble sleeping, strange dreams	Common when you first start but should improve in a few weeks. Taking at night may help. If these continue or are severe, tell your doctor.
Skin rash	This can occur in the first few weeks. Rarely, this may be serious. Ring your clinic to check

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• You will need regular blood tests while taking efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir to check if it is causing problems with your liver or kidneys. You will also need blood tests to check your viral load.
• Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• As your HIV comes under control, your immune system begins to recover. It may start fighting infections better than before which may make you unwell for a while. Your doctor may call this Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS).
• Weight gain may occur with treatment for HIV. Discuss this with your health professional.
• Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir can weaken your bones. You may need tests to check for this.
• If you have hepatitis B, this can flare-up if you stop taking efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir. Discuss this with your doctor.