What is "efavirenz"

n. Category:en:DrugsA non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in treatment of type-1 HIV, having the chemical formula C₁₄H₉ClF₃NO₂

Efavirenz (EFV), sold under the brand names Sustiva among others, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It is used as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of a human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) type 1. For HIV infection that has not previously been treated, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines currently recommends the use of efavirenz in combination with tenofovir/ emtricitabine (Truvada) as one of the preferred NNRTI-based regimens in adults and adolescents. Efavirenz is also used in combination with other antiretroviral agents as part of an expanded postexposure prophylaxis regimen to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people exposed to a significant risk (e.g. needlestick injuries, certain types of unprotected sex etc.).

It is usually taken on an empty stomach at bedtime to reduce neurological and psychiatric adverse effects.

Efavirenz was combined with the HIV medications tenofovir and emtricitabine, all of which are reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This combination of three medications under the brand name Atripla, provides HAART in a single tablet taken once a day.

Efavirenz was discovered at Merck Research Laboratories. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system. As of 2015 the cost for a typical month of medication in the United States is more than 200 USD.