Things You'll Need:
- Physician
- Immunodeficiency expert
- Sustiva (efavirenz) prescription
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Step 1
Tell your doctor about all medications and drugs of any kind that you take, including illicit drugs and alcohol.
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Step 2
Report any intent to become pregnant or remain sexually active to your doctor. Women who take Sustiva should avoid conceiving children.
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Step 3
Let your doctor know if you have a history of liver problems. Sustiva can exacerbate liver complications in vulnerable individuals.
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Step 4
Tell your doctor if you have a history of mental illness. Sustiva has been known to produce suicidal behavior in a small percentage of users.
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Step 1
Expect most of the drug's side effects to lighten in intensity after the first few weeks of Sustiva use.
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Step 2
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you see how Sustiva affects you. Some patients experience fatigue and problems with concentration when beginning to treat HIV and AIDS using Sustiva. Many patients find it useful to take Sustiva at night on an empty stomach.
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Step 3
Call your doctor if you break out in a rash that is painful or does not go away. Children using Sustiva are especially vulnerable to rashes. They should receive medical attention if this happens.
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Step 4
Report any recurrent episodes of depression, angry or suicidal behavior to your doctor. Your doctor may decide to discontinue your Sustiva program and treat you using other drugs.
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Step 1
Use Sustiva as directed by your doctor. Adults are usually told to ingest a single 600 milligram pill once daily.
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Step 2
Treat HIV and AIDS with the use of Sustiva by helping guard your healthy CD+4 cells. The HIV virus spreads in the body by attacking CD+4 cells. Sustiva makes it more difficult for the HIV virus to accomplish its mission.
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Step 3
Have your viral load and CD+4 counts checked by your doctor regularly. If your strain(s) of the HIV virus develop a resistance to Sustiva, your treatment schedule may be altered.
