Uses of Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir

What is Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir: 

The combination of these three medications is indicated for the treatment of (HIV) infection in adults aged 18 years and over who have previously been treated with other class of drugs which inhibit the activity of retroviruses (antiretroviral medicines) and have their HIV-1 infection under control for at least three months. The respective patient should not have experienced the failure of a previous Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) therapy.

Efavirenz: Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. This is an active substance, which is also known as antiretroviral medicine, which works by interfering with an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is necessary for the virus in order to multiply.

Emtricitabine: Emtricitabine is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine is an active substance, which is also known for its antiretroviral activity. This medicine works by interfering with an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is necessary for the virus in order to multiply.

Tenofovir Disoproxil: Tenofovir Disoproxil is a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Tenofovir Disoproxil is also an active substance, which is also known as antiretroviral medicine, which works by interfering with an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is necessary for the virus in order to multiply.

What are the uses of Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate:

The purpose of combining these three drugs into a single, once-daily pill reduces pill burden and simplifies dosing schedules, and therefore has the potential to increase adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Efavirenz is an NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) of HIV-1. Emtricitabine is an NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Tenofovir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor of HIV-1, and it can be classified as a NtRTI. All these three medications work in a combination in order to target the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase protein in three ways, which basically helps in reducing the virus's capacity to mutate.

Coming up to the combinational studies there were synergistic antiviral effects observed in between emtricitabine and efavirenz, efavirenz and tenofovir, and emtricitabine and tenofovir.

In the year of 2006 in the United States, Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir was approved as a once-daily tablet in order to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The main advantage of this new medication was that it could be taken once daily and reduce the overall stress in an antiretroviral regimen.

Related:- List of HIV Medications

Side Effects of Efavirenz Emtricitabine and Tenofovir: 

Common side effects of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir could be occur as follows:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal Distress
• And, Skin Discoloration
• Some more severe side effects could be as:
• Hallucinations
• Sleeplessness
• Abnormal Dreams
• Depression

While on HIV therapy patients may experience an increase in their weight and in levels of glucose and blood lipids. The recommended dosage of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir should be one tablet at or before bedtime.

In order to reduce the side effects, this medication should be taken on an empty stomach. People with kidney or liver problems can take one tablet by mouth once a day.

Some below-enlisted medications should be avoided while on with Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir include:

• Bepridil
• Midazolam
• Pimozide
• Triazolam or Ergot Derivatives

Additionally, St. John's wort is known to reduce the effectiveness of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, resulting in increased viral load and possible resistance to Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.

Read: What are the symptoms of HIV, and how to control HIV Infection?