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Sustiva |
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What is Sustiva and why is it prescribed? Sustiva is one of the growing number of drugs used to fight HIV infection. Like other drugs for HIV, Sustiva works by impairing the virus's ability to multiply. However, when taken alone it may prompt the virus to become resistant. Sustiva is therefore always taken with at least one other HIV medication, such as Retrovir or Crixivan. Even when used properly, it may remain effective for only a limited time. Though Sustiva can slow the progress of HIV, it is not a cure. HIV-related infections remain a danger, so frequent checkups and tests are still advisable. How should you take Sustiva? Follow your doctors directions for taking Sustiva. Be sure to take Sustiva every day, exactly as prescribed. Take Sustiva on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Taking Sustiva at bedtime reduces the likelihood of side effects such as dizziness, impaired concentration, weakness, abnormal dreams, or drowsiness. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Store Sustiva at room temperature. Are there any Sustiva side effects? Sustiva side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Sustiva side effects may include abnormal dreaming, abnormal thinking, amnesia, agitation, confusion, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, feelings of well-being, fever, hallucinations, headache, impaired concentration, insomnia, loss of identity, nausea, skin rash, and vomiting. Less common Sustiva side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal sense of smell, abnormal vision, aggressive behavior, alcohol intolerance, allergic reaction, anxiety, asthma, blood clots, blood in urine, convulsions, decreased sense of touch, depression, double vision, dry mouth, eczema, emotional instability, fainting, flu-like symptoms, gas, hair loss, hepatitis, hives, hot flushes, impaired coordination, indigestion, irregular heartbeat, itchy spots, joint pain, kidney stones, lack of emotion, loss of appetite, mania, mental changes, migraine headache, muscle ache, nervousness, pain, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to touch, speech disorder, sweating, swelling, taste disturbances, tingling or burning of the skin, tremor, vertigo, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Sustiva? If Sustiva is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Be sure to avoid combining Sustiva with Versed and, Halcion. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sustiva with Alcohol, Amprenavir (Agenerase), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Indinavir (Crixivan), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Methadone (Dolophine), Nelfinavir (Viracept), Oral Contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol (such as Estinyl, Ovcon, and Ovral), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin and Rimactane), Ritonavir (Norvir), Saquinavir (Fortovase and Invirase), St. John's Wort, or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Sustiva? If you develop delusions, inappropriate behavior, severe depression, or suicidal thoughts, call your doctor immediately. Sustiva could be the cause, and may have to be discontinued. If you have suffered mental illness, substance abuse, or depression in the past, make sure the doctor is aware of this before therapy begins. Roughly half the people taking Sustiva develop symptoms such as dizziness, lack of concentration, or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery while these symptoms occur. They are likely to improve with continued therapy, generally within 2 to 4 weeks. One of the most common side effects of Sustiva is skin rash. Most rashes usually clear up on their own. However, for roughly one patient in 100, the drug causes a severe rash associated with blistering, skin peeling, and fever. If you develop this type of rash, call your doctor. Another Sustiva side effect seen in some people receiving drugs for HIV is a redistribution of body fat. In a few patients, Sustiva has toxic effects on the liver. If you've had hepatitis or must take other medications that could damage the liver, your doctor will probably check your liver function regularly. Sustiva also has a tendency to raise cholesterol levels in some patients. If you have a cholesterol problem, your doctor may test for this as well. Remember that Sustiva does not completely eliminate HIV from the body. |
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