About Atripla
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Atripla.
Atripla is a combination of three different antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV/AIDS infections. These medications slow down the replication process of the HIV virus, but do not cure an HIV infection. Having three medications in one dose makes scheduling doses easier for the patient, who may have to take many different types of medications. The medications present in Atripla are emtricitabine, efavirenz and tenofovir.
Atripla should be taken before bed, without food. People taking Atripla will need regular blood tests to monitor their condition. Drinking alcohol while taking Atripla can increase the side effects of the medication in some cases. People who are taking medication for an HIV infection still need to avoid spreading the virus to others by using safe sex practices and avoiding bloodborne transmission. Pregnant women who are HIV-positive should not breastfeed, even if they are taking antiretroviral medications.
Many different types of drugs may interact with Atripla and cause adverse reactions or decrease its efficacy, including: voriconazole, cisapride, ergot-based medications, lamivudine, medications with the same active ingredients as Atripla, St. John's Wort supplements, other antiretroviral medications, methadone, blood thinners, cholesterol medications, certain antibiotics, seizure medications, immune suppressant drugs, sertraline and certain antifungal medications. It is extremely important that you tell your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and supplements that you are taking before taking Atripla.
Side effects of Atripla include: nausea, digestive upset, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, insomnia, weird dreams, decreased concentration, changes in body fat and skin discoloration, especially on the hands and feet. More serious side effects that may potentially occur with Atripla include: decreased urination, liver failure, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, seizure, severe skin rash and flu symptoms. If you experience any of these side effects while taking Atripla, seek medical attention immediately.
| Form: |
Tablet taken orally. |
| Strength: |
200 mg of Emtricitabine, 600 mg of Efavirenz and 300 mg of Tenofovir per tablet. |
| Storage: |
Room temperature. Keep away from moisture, heat and light. |
| Contraindications: |
Patients allergic to emtricitabine, patients allergic to efavirenz, patients allergic to tenofovir, patients with kidney or liver disease, patients who are pregnant. |
| Generic Name: |
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofivir |
What are Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofivir?
They are the generic equivalents of Atripla and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofivir.
