🏷️ Parameter	🔍 Details
🧬 Active Ingredient	Efavirenz
💊 Indication	HIV-1 Infection (part of combination ART)
🇺🇸 US Brand	Sustiva®
🏭 Manufacturer	Cipla Ltd.
📦 Packaging	30 tablets in 1 HDPE bottle (200mg or 600mg)
💪 Strength	200 mg, 600 mg
🚚 Delivery Time	7–14 days (Worldwide)

🧠 Introduction to Efavir

Efavir by Cipla contains Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) for HIV-1 treatment. Key features:

🧠 High CNS penetration → Effective in viral load suppression
🌙 Must be taken at bedtime (reduces neuropsychiatric impact)
⚠️ Black-box warning for severe psychiatric reactions
🚫 Contraindicated in pregnancy (Category D teratogen)

Cipla’s 30-tablet bottle provides a full month’s supply for combination ART. Used with NRTIs like Tenofovir+Emtricitabine, it forms the backbone of regimens like Viraday.

💊 Dosage & Indications

💉 Indication	🧪 Dosage	⏱️ Frequency	💡 Notes
Adults ≥40kg	600 mg/day	Once daily	At bedtime, empty stomach
Children 3-16y	200-400 mg/day (weight-based)	Once daily	Use oral solution if <40kg
Renal Impairment	No adjustment	–	Safe for dialysis
Hepatic Impairment	Avoid in severe cirrhosis	Contraindicated	↓ Metabolism

⚠️ Side Effects, Storage & Warnings

❗ Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness (52%)
- Vivid dreams (48%)
- Rash (30%)
🚫 Serious Effects:
- Severe depression/suicidal ideation
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- False-positive cannabinoid tests
❄️ Storage: 15–30°C; keep bottle tightly closed (desiccant included).
⚠️ Critical Warnings:
- Contraindicated with elbasvir/grazoprevir
- Pregnancy test before initiation (women)
- Neuropsychiatric evaluation baseline & monthly

🌍 Global Availability & Shipping

🌎 Region	📦 Shipping	💵 Price (30-tablet bottle)	📜 Prescription
🇺🇸 USA	✅ Yes	$35–$70	Required
🇬🇧 UK	✅ Yes	£30–£55	Required
🇦🇺 Australia	✅ Yes	AUD 50–85	Required

🔗 Related Indian Alternatives (Different in Same Category)

💊 Product Name	🏭 Manufacturer	🔗 Internal Link
Viraday (Efavirenz/FTC/TDF)	Cipla	viraday
Dolutranz (Dolutegravir/Tenofovir)	Mylan	dolutranz
Tenof-EM (Tenofovir/Emtricitabine)	Hetero	tenof-em
Nevimune (Nevirapine)	Cipla	nevimune
Taffic (Bictegravir/TAF/FTC)	Hetero	taffic
Lopimune (Lopinavir/Ritonavir)	Cipla	lopimune

📚 External Medical References

🩺 Expert Commentary

Dr. Arjun Nair, HIV Specialist:
“Efavir remains cost-effective but requires careful patient selection. I avoid it in pilots, drivers, or those with depression history. For such cases, [dolutranz] (Dolutegravir-based) is preferable. Cipla’s amber bottle protects against light degradation – never transfer tablets to pill organizers.”

📌 Disclaimer

This information is not medical advice. Use under physician supervision. Cipla’s Efavir carries black-box warnings for severe psychiatric adverse reactions and fetal harm.

💡 Clinical Protocol:

Neuropsychiatric Management:

Symptom Action

Mild dizziness Reassurance + take 2h before bedtime

Insomnia Temporary melatonin 3mg

Suicidal thoughts IMMEDIATE DISCONTINUATION
Bottle Specifications:
- Amber HDPE bottle with UV filter
- Tablet ID:
  - 200mg: “EFV200”
  - 600mg: “EFV600”
- Silica gel canister (do not eat)

Drug Interactions:

Concomitant Drug	Risk	Action
Rifampicin	↓ Efavirenz levels 25%	Increase to 800mg/day
Voriconazole	↑ Efavirenz toxicity	Contraindicated
Ethinyl Estradiol	↓ Contraceptive effectiveness	Use barrier methods

Pregnancy Protocol:
- Confirm negative pregnancy test before initiation
- Two forms of contraception during therapy
- Switch to alternative if pregnancy occurs