Efavir 200mg (Efavirenz)

What is Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz)?

Efavir 200 mg contains Efavirenz, an antiretroviral prescribed drug that is useful in treating HIV-1. It also falls under the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) class. The drug achieves its goal by reducing the number of HIV cells in the blood, thereby enhancing the patient’s health and minimizing the complications resulting from HIV infection.

Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz) Symptoms (Effects & Side Effects)

Common Effects:

• Prohibits HIV replication
• Boosts the CD4 cell counts
• Reduces viral load

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness, sleep disorder
• Strange dreams or nightmares
• Rash or skin reactions
• Feeling tired and difficult in concentrating
• Nausea, diarrhea
• Changes in mood (e.g., depression, anxiety)

Severe Side Effects (rare):

• Liver toxicity
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts
• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz) Causes

EFV 200 does not cause HIV but is used as a therapeutic drug. The decision to use Efavirenz is based on the following:

• Being HIV-positive
• High viral load
• Depletion of CD4 cell count
• Being part of a combination ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) regimen

Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz): Mechanism of Action (MOA) 

• Directly affects HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme.
• Does not affect the enzyme in a competitive manner.
• Stops the conversion of viral RNA to DNA.
• Inhibits the virus’ multiplication in lymphocytes.
• Decelerates the spread and development of the virus.

Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz) Medication

• Generic Name: Efavirenz
• Brand Name: Efavir
• Drug Class: NNRTI
• Form: Oral capsules or tablets
• Dosage: Usually taken once a day, usually at night
• With/Without Food: Swallow on an empty stomach to avoid side effects

Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz) Medicines (Pills)

• Is it a capsule or tablet form
• It is also present in the combination therapies (e.g., Atripla)
• Storage: Room temperature, no exposure to light and moisture
• Other Variant :Efavir 600mg (Efavirenz)

Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz) Tablets Uses (How It Benefits)

• Are helpful in stopping the reproduction of the HIV in the body
• Lead to an increase in CD4+ T-cell count
• Decrease the chance of infections that may occur due to low immunity
• Retard the progression of HIV to AIDS
• Are one of the components of HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy)

Permanent Cure for Efavir 200 mg (Efavirenz) Use

At the moment, Efavirenz does not cure HIV/AIDS. It only contains the infection. Permanent Cure

• Gene editing (CRISPR-based trials)
• HIV vaccine development
• Long-acting injectable
• Stem cell transplants (very rare and risky)

FAQs

1.Can Efavir 200 mg be taken with mental health medication?

 Some medicines for psychiatric problems may interfere with Efavirenz. If you are using antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs you’d better ask your doctor.

2.Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking Efavir 200 mg?

 No. {Drinking alcohol} can exacerbate side effects such as dizziness and liver overload, doubling the chance of getting complications.

3.Does Efavir 200 mg affect fertility or pregnancy? 

Taking Efavirenz during the early stages of a pregnancy may lead to defects in the baby. Because of this it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider a plan for contraception and pregnancy.

4.How soon does Efavir 200 mg start working in the body? 

The drug begins to reduce the number of viruses in the body within several days but the “real” immune recovery can take a few weeks to come.

5.Can Efavir 200 mg cause vivid dreams or nightmares ? 

Absolutely. These are common side effects. If taken at night without eating, this can be very effective in reducing such events.