• Basic Info
• Top Questions

What is this medicine?

EFAVIRENZ; EMTRICITABINE; TENOFOVIR is three antiretroviral medicines in one tablet. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems
• history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem
• history of depression or other mental illness
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to efavirenz, emtricitabine, tenofovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Take your dose at bedtime. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• any medicine that contains efavirenz, emtricitabine, lamivudine, or tenofovir
• cerviastatin
• cisapride
• disopyramide
• medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• midazolam
• pimozide
• rifapentine
• St. John's Wort
• triazolam
• voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• adefovir
• amiodarone
• clarithromycin
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
• medicines for blood pressure like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
• medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole,itraconazole, and posaconazole
• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• medicines for sleep
• medicines for viral infections like cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir
• methadone
• other medicines for HIV
• red yeast rice
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• sirolimus
• tacrolimus
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.