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Showing posts with label Anti Viral. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti Viral. Show all posts

Zovirax (Acyclovir)

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Synonyms: Acivir, Neovir, Aciclovier, Avirax, Valtrex, Vipral, Virorax

What is the most important information I should know about Zovirax?



•Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.



•Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).



•Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.



What is Zovirax?



Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections.



Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.



Zovirax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.



What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zovirax?



•Do not take Zovirax without if you are allergic to valZovirax (Valtrex).



•Before taking Zovirax, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.



•FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.



Zovirax passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.



How should I take Zovirax?



•Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.



•Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).



•Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Zovirax to keep your kidneys working properly.



Zovirax can be taken with or without food. Taking Zovirax with food may decrease stomach upset.



•Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.



•Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zovirax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.



•Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.



•Store Zovirax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



What happens if I miss a dose?



•Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.



What happens if I overdose?



•Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.



•Symptoms of an Zovirax overdose may include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.



What should I avoid while taking Zovirax?



•Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.



Zovirax will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.



What are the possible side effects of Zovirax?



•Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.



•Stop using Zovirax and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side



◦urinating less than usual or not at all;



◦easy bruising or bleeding;



◦unusual weakness.



•Continue using Zovirax and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:



◦nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;



◦headache, feeling light-headed; or



◦swelling in your hands or feet.



•Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



What other drugs will affect Zovirax?



•Before taking Zovirax, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use Zovirax, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.



•There may be other drugs that can affect Zovirax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
 

Zerit (Stavudine)

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Synonyms: Stavir

What is the most important information I should know about Zerit?



•Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as Zerit, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.



•Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of Zerit. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.



•Avoid alcohol while taking Zerit. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.



•The most common side effect from Zerit therapy is peripheral neuropathy, which may cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body. Approximately 20% of patients taking Zerit will experience peripheral neuropathy. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.



•Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Zerit is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.



What is Zerit?



Zerit is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Zerit inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.



Zerit is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zerit is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.



Zerit may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.



What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zerit?



•Before taking Zerit, tell your doctor if you have:



◦kidney disease;



◦liver disease;



◦pancreatitis; or



◦a history of peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling). or



•You may not be able to take Zerit, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.



•The Zerit oral solution contains 50 mg of sucrose per mL. Individuals with diabetes may need to monitor their intake of sucrose.



Zerit is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Fatal lactic acidosis has been reported in pregnant women treated with the combination of didanosine (Videx, Videx EC) and Zerit with other antiretroviral medicines. It is very important to treat HIV/ AIDS during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infecting the baby. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.



•It is not known whether Zerit passes into breast milk and what effect it may have on a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast-feed. Talk to your doctor about breast-feeding if you are taking Zerit.



How should I take Zerit?



•Take Zerit exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.



•Take each dose with a full glass of water.



Zerit can be taken with or without food.



•Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.



•To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Zerit with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.



•Swallow the extended-release capsules (Zerit XR) whole, without crushing or chewing. If swallowing the capsules is difficult, they can be carefully opened and the contents mixed with two tablespoons of applesauce or yogurt. The mixture should then be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing the beads. Consume the mixture immediately, do not save it for later use.



•Treatment of HIV/ AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.



•It is important to take Zerit regularly to get the most benefit.



•Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Zerit to monitor progress and side effects.



•Store Zerit capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



•Store the Zerit suspension in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). Throw away any unused suspension after 30 days.



What happens if I miss a dose?



•Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.



What happens if I overdose?



•Seek emergency medical attention.



•Symptoms of a Zerit overdose include liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue) and numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body.



What should I avoid while taking Zerit?



•Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Zerit is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.



•Avoid alcohol while taking Zerit. Alcohol may increase the risk of damage to the pancreas and/ or liver.



What are the possible side effects of Zerit?



•Stop taking Zerit and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).



•Lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as Zerit, alone or in combination. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. These may be early symptoms of lactic acidosis or liver problems.



•Serious cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported with the use of Zerit. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.



•The most common side effect from Zerit therapy is peripheral neuropathy, which may cause loss of feeling, numbness, tingling, or pain in a part of the body. Approximately 20% of patients taking Zerit will experience peripheral neuropathy. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.



•Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zerit and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:



◦headache;



◦a fever or chills;



◦nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;



◦insomnia;



◦decreased appetite;



◦a rash; or



◦redistribution of body fat (loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face and increased fat around the neck, breast, and trunk).



•Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



What other drugs will affect Zerit?



Zerit may interact with other medications resulting in reduced effectiveness and/ or side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products.
 

Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

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Synonyms: Aciclovier, Aciclovir, Acyclovir, Avirax, Valaciclovir, Valacivir, Valcivir, Valtrex, Vipral, Virorax

 What is the most important information I should know about Valtrex?



Take all of the Valtrex that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.



Treatment with Valtrex should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters).



Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.



Valtrex is not a cure for herpes virus infections.



What is Valtrex?



Valtrex is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the length of time you are sick.



Valtrex is used in the treatment and suppression of genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores. Valtrex is not a cure for herpes virus infections.



Valtrex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.



What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valtrex?



Do not take Valtrex without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or immune system problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Valtrex. Valtrex is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Valtrex passes into breast milk and how it may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.



How should I take Valtrex?



Take Valtrex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.



Treatment with Valtrex should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. for cold sores-tingling, burning, blisters).



Take each dose with a full glass of water.



Valtrex can be taken with or without food. Taking Valtrex with food may decrease stomach upset.



Take all of the Valtrex that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.



It is important to take Valtrex regularly to get the most benefit.



Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.



Store Valtrex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



What happens if I miss a dose?



Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.



What happens if I overdose?



Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.



The symptoms of an overdose of Valtrex are not well known, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).



What should I avoid while taking Valtrex?



Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.



Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent spreading the virus to others.



What are the possible side effects of Valtrex?



Stop taking Valtrex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).



Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Valtrex and talk to your doctor if you experience



•nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain;



•headache;



•dizziness; or



•tremors.



Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



What other drugs will affect Valtrex?



Probenecid (Benemid) and cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase the effects of Valtrex and possibly lead to dangerous side effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking probenecid or cimetidine.



Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Valtrex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.



Urispas (Flavoxate)

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Synonyms: Flavoxin

What is the most important information I should know about Urispas?



•Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Urispas may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.



•Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Urispas.



•Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Urispas may increase the risk of heat stroke because it may decrease sweating. Drink plenty of fluid of maintain adequate hydration.



What is Urispas?



Urispas relieves spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.



Urispas is used to treat the symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary leakage, painful or difficult urination, and urinary incontinence.



Urispas may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.



What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Urispas?



•Do not take Urispas if you have



◦a blockage of the urinary tract (difficulty urinating);



◦bleeding in the stomach; or



◦a blockage in the intestines.



•Before taking Urispas, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or other health problems. You may not be able to take Urispas, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have other medical conditions.



Urispas is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Urispas without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.



•It is not known whether Urispas will be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take Urispas without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.



•The safety and effectiveness of Urispas have not been studied in children younger than 12 years of age. Urispas is not recommended for use by children in this age group.



How should I take Urispas?



•Take Urispas exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.



•Take each dose with a full glass of water.



•Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If your symptoms are not being treated, notify your doctor.



•Store Urispas at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



What happens if I miss a dose?



•Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.



What happens if I overdose?



•Seek emergency medical attention.



•Symptoms of an Urispas overdose are not well known but might include restlessness, tremor, irritability, seizures, delirium, hallucinations, flushing, fever, nausea, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and possibly coma.



What should I avoid while taking Urispas?



•Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Urispas may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.



•Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Urispas.



•Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Urispas may increase the risk of heat stroke because it may decrease sweating. Drink plenty of fluid to maintain adequate hydration.



What are the possible side effects of Urispas?



•If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Urispas and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:



◦an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or



◦an irregular or fast heart rate.



•Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Urispas and talk to your doctor if you experience



◦nausea or vomiting;



◦dry mouth;



◦dizziness or lightheadedness;



◦headache;



◦confusion;



◦drowsiness;



◦nervousness;



◦blurred vision or large pupils;



◦dryness of the eyes; or



◦difficulty urinating.



•Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



What other drugs will affect Urispas?



Urispas may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.



•Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Urispas. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
 

Symmetrel (Amantadine)

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Synonyms: Amantral, Amantrel, Adamantamine, Endantadine, Mantadine, Symadine

What is the most important information I should know about Symmetrel?



•Do not stop taking Symmetrel suddenly if you are using it to treat Parkinson's disease. Doing so may cause your condition to suddenly become much worse.



•If you are taking Symmetrel to treat influenza A, take all of the medication that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.



What is Symmetrel?



Symmetrel is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.



Symmetrel is used to treat and to prevent influenza A (a viral infection). There may be some flu seasons during which Symmetrel is not recommended because certain flu strains may be resistant to this drug.



Symmetrel is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and “parkinson-like” symptoms such as stiffness and shaking that may be caused by the use of certain drugs. How Symmetrel works in these conditions is unknown.



Symmetrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.



Who should not take Symmetrel?



•Before taking Symmetrel, tell your doctor if you have



◦epilepsy or any other seizure disorder;



◦congestive heart failure or an accumulation of fluid (swelling) in your arms, legs, hands, or feet;



◦any type of kidney disease;



◦any type of liver disease; or



◦a chronic rash such as eczema.



•You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.



Symmetrel is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.



Symmetrel passes into breast milk. It is not known whether it will harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.



How should I take Symmetrel?



•Take Symmetrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.



•Take each dose with a full glass of water.



•To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Symmetrel with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.



•If you are taking Symmetrel to treat influenza A, take all of the medication that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.



•Store Symmetrel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



What happens if I miss a dose?



•Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.



What happens if I overdose?



•Seek emergency medical attention.



•Symptoms of an Symmetrel overdose include an increased heart rate; high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache); anxiety; difficulty breathing; insomnia; aggression; tremor; confusion; hallucinations; paranoia; coma; seizures; and even death.



What should I avoid while taking Symmetrel?



•Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Symmetrel may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.



What are the possible side effects of Symmetrel?



•If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Symmetrel and seek emergency medical attention:



◦an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);



◦congestive heart failure (swelling in your lower legs or feet, difficulty breathing, fatigue);



◦severe stiffness or involuntary movements of your arms or legs; or



◦confusion after discontinuing Symmetrel or after a dose reduction.



•Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take Symmetrel and talk to your doctor if you experience



◦dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or a headache;



◦insomnia;



◦nausea or decreased appetite;



◦dry mouth or constipation; or



◦depression, anxiety, or confusion.



•Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



What other drugs will affect Symmetrel?



•Other drugs that stimulate your central nervous system, such as caffeine, diet pills, and decongestants, may increase the side effects from Symmetrel. Do not take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines for weight loss, for colds, for allergies, or to help you stay awake without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.



•Tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic (water pill). You may need special monitoring during your therapy.



•Phenothiazines used to treat emotional disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and thioridazine (Mellaril), may increase tremor during Symmetrel therapy. Tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking for emotional conditions.



•Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Symmetrel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
 

Sustiva (Efavirenz)

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Synonyms: Efavir, Stocrin

What is the most important information I should know about Sustiva?



•Treatment with Sustiva has been associated with the development of serious psychiatric side effects including severe depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, manic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms.



•Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sustiva may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.



•Avoid alcohol or use it with caution while taking Sustiva. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness while taking this medication.



Sustiva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with the medication. Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles.



What is Sustiva?



Sustiva is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Sustiva inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.



Sustiva is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Sustiva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.



Sustiva may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.



What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Sustiva?



Sustiva may cause serious and/ or life-threatening side effects if taken with certain other medications including the following: cisapride (Propulsid), astemizole (Hismanal), terfenadine (Seldane), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), ergotamine (Ergostat, Ergomar, and others), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45), and others. Do not take any other medicines during treatment with Sustiva without first talking to your doctor.



•Before taking Sustiva, tell your doctor if you have



◦liver disease;



◦a history of mental illness or depression; or



◦high blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat in the blood).



•You may not be able to take Sustiva, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.



Sustiva is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Sustiva is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Sustiva without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with Sustiva if necessary.



Sustiva passes into breast milk and it is not known whether it will affect a nursing baby. To prevent transmission of the virus to uninfected babies, it is recommended that HIV-positive mothers not breast feed their babies.



How should I take Sustiva?



•Take Sustiva exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.



•Take each dose with a full glass of water.



Sustiva can be taken with or without food. Do not take Sustiva with a high fat meal.



•Taking Sustiva at bedtime may help to minimize side effects.



•It is important to take Sustiva regularly to get the most benefit.



•Treatment of HIV/ AIDS almost always requires the use of two or more drugs. If you need to stop taking one of the medicines you are taking for HIV, you should stop all of them until you can talk to your doctor.



•Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Sustiva to monitor progress and side effects.



•Store Sustiva at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



What happens if I miss a dose?



•Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.



What happens if I overdose?



•Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.



•Symptoms of an Sustiva overdose may include confusion, poor coordination, headache, numbness or tingling, tremor, dizziness, muscle cramps, and seizures.



What should I avoid while taking Sustiva?



•Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sustiva may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.



•Avoid alcohol or use it with caution while taking Sustiva. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness while taking this medication.



•Follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles. Sustiva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with this medication.



What are the possible side effects of Sustiva?



•Treatment with Sustiva has been associated with the development of serious psychiatric side effects including severe depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, manic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms.



•If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Sustiva and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:



◦an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or



◦a rash.



•Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Sustiva and talk to your doctor if you experience



◦dizziness;



◦drowsiness;



◦insomnia;



◦abnormal dreams;



◦impaired concentration;



◦agitation or nervousness;



◦headache;



◦mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or



◦changes in body fat (e.g., increased fat in the upper back, neck, breast, and trunk and loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face).



•Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



What other drugs will affect Sustiva?



Sustiva may cause serious and/ or life-threatening side effects if taken with certain other medications including the following: cisapride (Propulsid), astemizole (Hismanal), terfenadine (Seldane), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), ergotamine (Ergostat, Ergomar, and others), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45), and others. Do not take any other medicines during treatment with Sustiva without first talking to your doctor.



•Before taking Sustiva, tell your doctor if you are taking



◦indinavir (Crixivan);



◦ritonavir (Norvir);



◦saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase);



◦warfarin (Coumadin);



◦clarithromycin (Biaxin);



◦rifabutin (Mycobutin); or



◦rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).



•You may not be able to take Sustiva, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.



•Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Sustiva. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.