| Sustiva is used with other medicines in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sustiva will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems that usually result from AIDS or HIV disease. Sustiva will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have some of the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. |
| What are the recommended dosage for sustiva? |
ADULTS
The recommended dose is 600 milligrams once a day, in combination with other HIV medications.
CHILDREN
For children 3 years of age and older, weighing between 22 and 88 pounds, the recommended dose is based upon weight. Children weighing more than 88 pounds receive the 600-milligram adult dose.
Overdosage
Symptoms of Sustiva overdose may include:
Involuntary muscle contractions, increased nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, impaired concentration, and hallucinations |
| What are the side effects of using sustiva? |
| Dizziness, drowsiness or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: skin rash. Unlikely but report promptly: mood/mental changes (e.g., depression, and in rare cases, thoughts of suicide), dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, fever. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures. Some side effects (such as dizziness, drowsiness, certain mental changes) may decrease as your body adjusts to the drug. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. |
What are the precautions of using sustiva?
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| Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, mental disorders, liver disease (such as hepatitis). Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving), since this drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness or unsteadiness. Women in the childbearing years should have a pregnancy test before using this drug. Pregnancy should be avoided while using this drug. Barrier-type (latex condom) birth control should always be used along with other methods of birth control (such as birth control pills). If already pregnant, use this drug only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions. Caution is advised when using this drug in children, as this group may be more likely to develop rash. |
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