Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Oral Tablet (EFAVIRENZ/EMTRICITABINE/TENOFOVIR - ORAL)

Instructions

Keep the medicine in its original container.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Keep the desiccant (drying) packet in the bottle and keep the bottle closed tightly.

This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions for all blood tests.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may affect areas where fat is stored in the body. This may change your body shape.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• increased risk for bone fractures
• difficulty concentrating
• diarrhea
• dizziness or drowsiness
• bad dreams
• changes in areas of body fat may alter your body shape
• lack of energy and tiredness
• headaches
• irritability
• liver problems
• mood changes
• nausea and vomiting
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• loss of balance
• change in behavior
• bone pain
• confusion
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• fever or chills
• swelling in the neck or throat
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• muscle pain or weakness
• tight or rigid muscles
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• red, peeling or blistering skin
• slurred speech
• light colored stool
• suicidal thoughts
• unsteadiness while walking
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.