Description

What is Atripla?

HIV treatment observes the rule of ART or antiretroviral therapy, which means taking a fixed-dose combination of ARV drugs. This form of treatment includes Atripla.  This ARV drug is a combination of three different drugs.

• 600mg of efavirenz
• 300mg of tenofovir disoproxil
• 200mg of emtricitabine

Atripla medication is also available under names such as Viraday and Vonavir.

Atripla Common Prescription: 

• Taken for adults
• 18 years or older – at least 40 kgs above

How does this drug work?

As mentioned, Atripla is comprised of three common HIV medications under two different categories of drugs:

• Emtricitabine – NRTI
• Tenofovir – NRTI
• Efavirenz – NNRTI

NRTI - nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, NNRTI - non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor  These categories of ARV drugs work together in preventing the virus from its reproduction activity after the infection. Since HIV makes use of enzymes in their multiplication process, the fixed-dose combination of Atripla inhibits those enzymes from working. This action enables the immune system to work better and decreases the virus in the body.

Dosage

Just like other antiretroviral medicines, Atripla’s dosage still depends on a number of factors. These include:

• Patient’s age (often recommended for adults age 18 and above)
• Patient’s weight
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Hypersensitivity to Atripla
• Body’s reaction or response to ARV medications

Adult and Children Dosage:

• 1 tablet daily (for patients at least 40 kgs)

How to take it?

Consume Atripla with water, at least once daily. It is usually done before mealtime. Always consume your daily dosage at the same schedule every day. Doing so will help avoid skipping doses. You can even set the alarm to ensure you are notified of the dosage schedule. Remember to always follow your healthcare professional’s advice in taking Atripla. For dosage change, the same action must be done – consultation with the doctor. This practice will avoid any mistaken dosage, which can obviously impact the treatment process.

Atripla Side Effects

The side effects of this medication may depend on the severity of the disease, as well as the type of dosage that will be provided to you. Doctor consultation is required if any of these side effects persist for a longer time. . 

Common Side Effects:

• Sleeping problem 
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Changing of skin colour (darkening or paling)
• Confusion
• Forgetfulness
• Mood swings
• Unusual dreams
• Joint and Muscle Aches

Severe Side Effects: 

• Depression
• Psychosis
• Abnormal urination
• Extreme thirst, dry mouth
• Bone fractures
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme tiredness
• Muscle aches 
• Weakness
• Peeling, blistering or shedding of the skin
• Tingling, numbness, burning of the limbs
• Swelling of the face and the limbs
• Seizures
• Rashes

Storage

Securing Atripla properly helps the medication from not spoiling and being damaged. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight and too much cold. Avoid refrigerating it. Should the medication expire, dispose of it properly.