Atripla generic and side effects

What is Atripla?

What is Atripla? Atripla is a combination medicine used for treating HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It is part of the so-called antiretroviral therapy, which involves the usage of combination drugs to efficiently prevent the advancement of HIV to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Like other medicines, Atripla inhibits the virus’ ability to replicate throughout the body.

Atripla’s generic version is efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. These are the same antiviral medications mixed to create one effective anti-HIV drugs– Atripla. Antiviral agents are categorized in different medicinal classifications, which functions vital in HIV treatment.

Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. NNRTIs work by blocking an enzyme that HIV needs to multiply. This enzyme is called reverse transcriptase. Meanwhile, emtricitabine and tenofovir are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs function by controlling HIV growth within the body. The combination of NNRTIs and NRTIs prevents HIV complications and boosts the immune system for better protection against the virus.

Atripla comes in a film-coated tablet form. It is usually prescribed for adults but is also suitable for children 12 years old and above. Below is the standard dosage for Atripla.

Usual Atripla Adult Dose:

• Take 1 tablet of Atripla once daily. One dose contains 600 mg efavirenz, 200 mg emtricitabine, and 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Usual Atripla Pediatric Dose:

• For children aged 12 years and above, take 1 tablet of Atripla once daily. This dosage is only applicable to children weighing at least 40 kgs.

Before receiving a prescription with Atripla, learn the warnings associated with this medicine. Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of the following conditions:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Long QT syndrome
• Mental disorder
• Low bone mineral density
• Hepatitis B or C
• Seizure disorder

Do not take Atripla if you are allergic to its ingredients, especially with efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Remember that any form of allergy or hypersensitivity can be dangerous to your health.

Atripla side effects

Like other antiviral medications, Atripla also corresponds to various side effects. We listed these unwanted reactions according to their severity and impact on many individuals. Consider the following Atripla side effects:

Common side effects:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Rashes
• Vomiting
• Trouble concentrating

Severe side effects:

• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Pain in the muscles
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dark-colored urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin

Note: There is no required medical care if you only experience the common side effects. Since they are the generally known adverse reactions, you can manage them at home. However, immediate medical attention is necessary for the severe side effects. Call your healthcare professional at once to obtain the necessary treatment.

Alternative drugs

Besides Atripla, other forms of antiviral drugs are available to treat HIV. If this medicine is not suitable for you, there are alternative drugs you can take. Here are the following alternatives that your healthcare professional can prescribe: