It's used to treat people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
The medicine is known as an antiviral. It prevents HIV from reproducing in the body.
Sustiva belongs to a class of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Emtriva and Viread belong to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Atripla in 2006. It's marketed by Bristol Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC.
Atripla Warnings
Atripla contains a black-box warning because it can cause a serious condition known as lactic acidosis.This condition is more likely to occur in women, in people who are overweight or have liver disease, and in people who have taken HIV/AIDS medicines for an extended period of time.
Call your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Atripla:
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Trouble breathing
- Numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs
- Stomach pain
- Nausea with vomiting
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Dizziness
- Extreme weakness or tiredness
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Upper stomach pain
- Nausea
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Dark-colored urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
If you have hepatitis B, you might develop liver symptoms after you stop using Atripla. These effects may continue even for months after your treatment ends. Talk to your doctor if this happens.
Atripla isn't a cure for HIV or AIDS.
You should still take measures to reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others. Don't have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes with others.
Some medications can cause dangerous effects when combined with Atripla. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following:
- An ergot medicine such as Migranal (dihydroergotamine), ergonovine, Ergomar (ergotamine), or Methergine (methylergonovine)
- Halcion (triazolam)
- Hepsera (adefovir)
- Orap (pimozide)
- Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or tenofovir, such as Combivir, Complera, Emtriva, Epivir, Epzicom, Stribild, Trizivir, Truvada, or Viread
- St. John's wort
- Versed (midazolam)
- Vfend (voriconazole)
Before taking Atripla, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
- Seizures
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Low bone mineral density
- Hepatitis B or C virus infection
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Bone problems, such as osteoporosis
- A history of mental illness
- Use of antipsychotic drugs
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Allergies to medications
Your doctor will likely perform frequent tests to check your body's response to Atripla. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider and laboratory.
Atripla may cause false results on certain medical tests. Be sure to tell all medical professionals that you're taking this drug before having any tests performed.
Pregnancy and Atripla
Atripla may harm an unborn baby. Don't take this medicine if you're pregnant or might become pregnant.You should use two forms of birth control while taking Atripla, and for at least 12 weeks after your treatment with the medicine ends.
Women with HIV shouldn't breastfeed, because the virus can be passed through breast milk. Don't breastfeed while taking Atripla.
Atripla Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Atripla
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Mild nausea or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Unusual dreams
- Headache
- Mild depression
- Tiredness
- Mild rash
- Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in the legs, arms, face, neck, breast, or waist)
Serious Side Effects of Atripla
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Atripla Warnings section above, or any of the following serious side effects:- Sore throat, fever, or other flu-like symptoms
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Increased thirst and urination
- Little or no urination
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Problems with balance
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Severe lower back pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Swelling in the neck or throat
- Menstrual changes
- Loss of interest in sex or inability to perform sexually
- Signs of a severe skin reaction (may include burning sensation in the eyes, skin pain, or a red/purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling)
- Cold sores or sores in your genital or anal area
- Signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction (may include hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
Atripla Interactions
- A blood thinner such as Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Antivirals
- Birth control pills
- Chemotherapy
- Injected antibiotics
- Medicines for bowel disorders
- Medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Muscle relaxants
- Other HIV medicines
- Pain or arthritis drugs such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), aspirin, or Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Atripla and Other Interactions
Atripla may make you dizzy or drowsy.Don't drive or perform any activity that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
Atripla and Alcohol
Alcohol can worsen certain side effects of Atripla.Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
Atripla Dosage
Each tablet contains:
- 600 milligrams (mg) of efavirenz
- 200 mg of emtricitabine
- 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking this medicine. Don't take more or less Atripla than is recommended.
Atripla Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.Missed Dose of Atripla
If you miss a dose of Atripla, take it as soon as you remember. But skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
