Buy Sustiva
sustiva
$151.20
- Active ingredient: Efavirenz
- Category: Antivirals
- Delivery time: Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
- Prescription: Included
- Availability: In Stock
Sustiva (Efavirenz) 200mg / 600mg tablets are available to purchase from our Singapore pharmacy with confidential delivery. As a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, Sustiva works by blocking HIV replication, helping to reduce viral load and maintain immune function when used in combination therapy. It is designed for individuals living with HIV who require effective antiretroviral treatment as part of their comprehensive HIV management strategy.
Table of contents
- Sustiva (Efavirenz) Buyer and Patient Handbook in Singapore
- What is Sustiva?
- Who Should Use Sustiva?
- How Does It Work?
- Why Choose Sustaina?
- Dosage, Administration, Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
- Recommended Dosage
- How to Take
- Missed Dose
- Overdose
- Special Populations
- Lifestyle & Diet
- Precautions and Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Potential Side Effects
- Common Side Effects
- Less Common Side Effects
- Serious Side Effects
- Who Should Avoid This Medication?
- Storage Instructions
- Sustiva Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take for Sustiva to start working?
- Can I take Sustiva with coffee?
- Will Sustiva cause weight gain?
- Is it safe to travel abroad while on Sustiva?
- Can I switch from another NNRTI to Sustiva?
- What should I do if I experience vivid dreams?
- Does Sustiva interact with antacids?
- Is breastfeeding allowed while on Sustiva?
- Glossary
- Disclaimer
- Sustiva Drug Class
- Sustiva Connected Conditions
- How to purchase Sustiva on our Online Drugstore
- Reviews
- Write your review
Sustiva (Efavirenz) Buyer and Patient Handbook in Singapore
What is Sustiva?
Sustiva is an antiretroviral medication containing the active ingredient efavirenz, used to treat HIV-1 infection. It belongs to the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) class, which blocks a key viral enzyme needed for replication. In Singapore, Sustiva is approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and is available as a oral tablet (pill).
Who Should Use Sustiva?
- Adults living with HIV-1 who have been assessed as suitable for an NNRTI-based regimen.
- Patients whose viral load monitoring shows benefit from efavirenz-containing therapy.
- Individuals without a history of severe psychiatric illness or seizure disorders (see contraindications).
How Does It Work?
Efavirenz binds directly to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme, causing a structural change that prevents the enzyme from copying viral RNA into DNA. Think of the enzyme as a photocopier; efavirenz jams the machine so the virus cannot make copies of itself. By halting viral replication, the drug allows the immune system to recover and reduces the risk of disease progression.
Why Choose Sustaina?
- Generic Advantage: As a generic formulation, Sustiva offers the same clinical efficacy as brand-name options at a lower cost, which is important for long-term HIV management.
- Convenient Dosing: Once-daily oral tablets simplify adherence compared with multiple-dose regimens.
- Off-label uses (e.g., treatment of certain opportunistic infections) should only be considered after specialist consultation.
Dosage, Administration, Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
Recommended Dosage
- Standard adult dose: 600 mg (one 600 mg tablet) taken once daily on an empty stomach.
- Dose reduction: 200 mg (one 200 mg tablet) may be prescribed for patients who experience intolerable side effects or who are co-prescribed medications that increase efavirenz exposure.
How to Take
- Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of water.
- Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal to maximize absorption.
- Avoid crushing or chewing the tablet.
Missed Dose
- If you realize a dose is missed within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double-dose.
Overdose
- Seek immediate medical attention or call the Singapore National Poison Centre (180-225-369) .
- Bring the medication packaging so clinicians can identify the amount taken.
Special Populations
- Elderly: No dosage adjustment is required, but monitor for CNS side effects.
- Pregnancy: Efavirenz is classified as Category C in Singapore; discuss risks and benefits with a specialist.
- Renal/Hepatic impairment: No routine dose change, but severe hepatic dysfunction warrants careful monitoring.
Lifestyle & Diet
- Avoid alcohol excess, as it may increase central nervous system (CNS) side effects.
- Grapefruit juice can raise efavirenz levels; limit consumption.
- Smoking induces metabolism of efavirenz, potentially reducing its effectiveness; discuss Smoking Cessation with your care team.
Precautions and Warnings
- Neuropsychiatric effects (e.g., vivid dreams, Depression, Anxiety) are common; report new or worsening symptoms promptly.
- Seizure risk: Avoid use in patients with a history of Seizures.
- Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver enzymes before initiation and periodically thereafter.
- Teratogenic potential: Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception throughout treatment and for at least 12 weeks after stopping the drug.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class | Risk | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin) | ↓ Efavirenz levels | Consider dose increase or alternative therapy |
| CYP2B6 inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone) | ↑ Efavirenz levels | Monitor for toxicity, adjust dose if needed |
| Antidepressants (e.g., sertraline) | Additive CNS side effects | Observe for heightened psychiatric symptoms |
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Mild Hypertension
Serious Side Effects
- Severe rash or Stevens-Johnson syndrome - stop medication and seek urgent care.
- Depression, suicidal thoughts - contact a mental-health professional immediately.
- Seizures - emergency evaluation required.
Who Should Avoid This Medication?
- History of major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation or uncontrolled psychiatric disease.
- Seizure disorders unless benefits outweigh risks.
- Known hypersensitivity to efavirenz or any tablet excipients.
Storage Instructions
- Keep tablets below 30 °C, away from direct sunlight.
- Store in a dry place, tightly closed, out of reach of children.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Sustiva Alternatives
| Name | Class | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Atripla (fixed-dose) | NNRTI + Integrase inhibitor | Single-tablet regimen, higher cost |
| Efavirenz (generic) | NNRTI | Same active ingredient, lower price |
| Dolutegravir | Integrase inhibitor | Higher barrier to resistance, different side-effect profile |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Sustiva to start working?
Efavirenz begins to suppress viral replication within 2-4 weeks, but full virologic response may take up to 12 weeks.
Can I take Sustiva with coffee?
Yes, moderate coffee consumption does not affect efavirenz levels; avoid excessive caffeine if you experience insomnia.
Will Sustiva cause weight gain?
Weight changes are not a typical effect; any noticeable gain or loss should be discussed with your care team.
Is it safe to travel abroad while on Sustiva?
Maintain your dosing schedule across time zones, keep a supply for the entire trip, and carry a copy of your medication record for customs.
Can I switch from another NNRTI to Sustiva?
Switching is possible but should be guided by a specialist to ensure proper sequencing and monitoring.
What should I do if I experience vivid dreams?
These are common; taking the tablet at bedtime may help, or your clinician may adjust the dose.
Does Sustiva interact with antacids?
Antacids do not significantly affect efavirenz absorption, but continue to take the medication on an empty stomach.
Is breastfeeding allowed while on Sustiva?
Efavirenz is excreted in breast milk; Singapore guidelines advise against breastfeeding for mothers on this medication.
Glossary
- NNRTI (Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor): A drug class that blocks the HIV enzyme needed to copy its genetic material.
- Viral load: The amount of HIV RNA in the blood; a key marker of treatment effectiveness.
- CYP450 enzymes: Liver proteins that metabolize many drugs; efavirenz is mainly processed by CYP2B6 and CYP3A4.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. All therapeutic decisions, including off-label use, should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider. Our online pharmacy supplies only legally approved medicines; we do not dispense prescriptions. Users are responsible for verifying product availability, suitability, and any regulatory updates in Singapore.
Sustiva Drug Class
Sustiva Connected Conditions
How to purchase Sustiva on our Online Drugstore
To purchase Sustiva | Efavirenz on our website, just select the required dosage and quantity of pills above. The price of your choice will appear automatically. Next, add the chosen amount to your cart by clicking the Add to Cart button. You can either continue shopping for more pills or head to the checkout. At the Checkout, finalize your purchase through our secure payment gateway.
Sustiva / Efavirenz pills are made using high-quality generic ingredients and are subject to strict quality control in line with WHO and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) standards. However, please note that Sustiva pills are dispatched from outside Singapore due to prescriptions issued overseas.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding your health, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice based on the information presented here. Use of this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and in the event of a medical emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately. Our website assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content provided.
Reviews
First week on Efavirenz 600mg was rough, man. Felt like I was constantly buzzing, slightly drunk maybe? The dreams are insane, super vivid, sometimes terrifying. My doctor said it takes time. I started taking it right before bed, dead serious, like falling asleep mid-swallow. It works, though. My viral load is already dropping, so I gotta hang in there. Just hope the headspace gets clearer soon.
Been on Sustiva for three years now. The key hack is timing. NEVER take it within 2 hours of a heavy meal. Fatty foods amplify the psychoactive effects-you get that drunk, dizzy feeling way worse. Take the 600mg dose on an empty stomach right before bed, and make sure you are already sleepy. If you take it at 8 PM and stay up playing games until 1 AM, you will feel the weirdness. Seriously, empty stomach + dark room = manageable minimal side effects.
My liver enzymes spiked badly when I first started, but they stabilized after about four months. The positive side? My energy levels are surprisingly good now. No more chronic fatigue. Downside? The skin rash was awful for the first month, itching like mad, had to constantly use cooling lotion. Also, I get these weird lapses, forgetting mid-sentence what I was saying. Cognitive fog is real, unfortunately, especially later in the day.
I switched from the 600mg tablet to two 200mg tablets, taking them 12 hours apart, split dosing. This really helped smooth out the peaks of dizziness and that "high" feeling. My viral load stays undetectable, which is the main win. Less intense dreams now, too. My partner says I still talk nonsense in my sleep sometimes, but zero complaints about the effectiveness. If the 600mg single dose is too much, ask about splitting it.
I'm three weeks in, and I hate the insomnia. I take it at 10 PM. I fall asleep fine, but I wake up around 2 AM and just stare at the ceiling until sunrise, feeling wired and slightly nauseous. The only thing that slightly helps is drinking a huge glass of cold water before bed and forcing myself to meditate for 20 minutes right before taking the pill. It's kicking the virus's butt, yes, but my quality of sleep is trash.
For long-term users, watch your cholesterol. Sustiva has pushed my lipids sky-high, need to take statins now. The benefit-it's still effective after five years, zero resistance. The downside-the lipodystrophy is real. I've lost fat in my face and gained it around my stomach. Definitely something that messes with confidence, requiring extra effort in diet and exercise just to counteract the medication's cosmetic side effects.
It works great for keeping the VL low, but the peripheral neuropathy is terrible. Tingling and burning in my feet and hands started six months after beginning treatment. The doctors aren't sure if it's the Sustiva or the general condition, but it feels related to the neuro side effects. I had to cut back coffee completely. Taking magnesium supplements seems to calm the electrical feeling down a bit, but it hasn't gone away.
This 600mg pill is effective. Simple as that. My regimen is stable. After the first month of crazy, drunk dreams, it settled down completely. Big hint: Take the pill with a small, low-fat snack, like a piece of toast or a banana, not just water. It minimizes stomach upset without increasing the psychoactive effects the way a greasy dinner does. No more waking up dizzy if I follow this rule.