AEGiS-ATDN: Treatment Notes: Sustiva (efavirenz) Side Effect Update

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Treatment Notes: Sustiva (efavirenz) Side Effect Update

TREATMENT REVIEW 32 - 33 - Fall/Winter 2000

The anti-HIV drug Sustiva (other name: efavirenz) belongs to a class of drug called NNRTIs. Sustiva was approved for prescription in 1998. Sustiva is now included as one of the potential first HIV treatments in the Public Health Service guidelines for using HIV drugs. Side effects of Sustiva can include central nervous system problems such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety attacks, dizziness, confusion, strange dreams and insomnia. These side effects are most commonly reported during the first month or so of taking Sustiva.

Since Sustiva has been available by prescription, there have been rare reports of people developing more significant mental problems such as delusions, bizarre behavior and severe depression leading to suicide attempts. These problems may develop in about 1 or 2 people out of every thousand taking Sustiva.

The manufacturer of Sustiva recommends that doctors warn people of these potential central nervous system side effects so that they are not caught by surprise. If severe side effects develop, the drug may well need to be stopped.

The full, updated prescribing information for Sustiva can be downloaded from the Internet at: http://www.sustiva.com/cross_site/patientpi/aNp.Sustiva.Feb00.pdf
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