VANAVIR TABLET

🧬🛡️💊 Emtricitabine 200mg + Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300mg + Efavirenz 600mg: Once-Daily Triple Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV-1 Management

This fixed-dose combination of Emtricitabine (200mg), Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (300mg), and Efavirenz (600mg) is a highly effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. It is a complete once-daily regimen, designed to simplify HIV treatment by combining three potent agents with complementary mechanisms that work together to suppress viral replication, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of HIV-related complications.

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Each component plays a distinct role in inhibiting HIV replication:

• Emtricitabine (FTC): A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that blocks reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to replicate.

• Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF): Also an NRTI, it inhibits reverse transcriptase by competing with natural nucleotides, resulting in premature termination of the viral DNA chain.

• Efavirenz (EFV): A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that binds directly to reverse transcriptase and blocks its activity through a different mechanism.

Together, these drugs suppress HIV viral load, allowing the immune system (CD4 cells) to recover and function effectively.

📌 Indications and Uses

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing ≥35 kg

• Used in antiretroviral-naïve patients or as maintenance therapy

• Not intended for:

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

  • Patients with resistance to any of the components

  • Individuals with significant renal or hepatic impairment

💊 Dosage and Administration

• One tablet once daily, preferably at bedtime on an empty stomach to reduce CNS side effects

• Swallow whole with water; do not chew or split

• Adherence is critical — do not miss doses

⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Renal function monitoring is essential due to Tenofovir’s potential nephrotoxicity

• May cause central nervous system (CNS) effects like dizziness, vivid dreams, or depression (Efavirenz)

• Liver enzymes should be monitored, especially in hepatitis B or C co-infected patients

• Avoid during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, unless no alternatives are available (due to Efavirenz)

• Risk of lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis (rare but serious)

🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Dizziness, insomnia, vivid dreams

• Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue

• Rash

• Headache

Serious:

• Depression, suicidal thoughts (Efavirenz-related)

• Hepatic toxicity

• Renal dysfunction (Tenofovir-related)

• Lactic acidosis

• Severe rash or hypersensitivity

Immediate medical attention is needed if severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, yellowing of eyes, or allergic reactions occur.

🔄 Drug Interactions

• Avoid with drugs that induce or inhibit CYP enzymes (Efavirenz is a CYP3A4 inducer)

• Reduces effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives

• Careful with anticonvulsants, rifampin, and antifungals

• Do not take with other ART unless advised

🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C, in a dry, cool place

• Protect from light and moisture

• Keep out of reach of children

📝 Conclusion

The Emtricitabine + Tenofovir + Efavirenz combination provides a powerful, once-daily treatment for HIV-1, promoting viral suppression, improving quality of life, and reducing HIV transmission risk. Its simplicity and proven efficacy make it a cornerstone in global HIV therapy — especially in resource-limited settings — with the caution of monitoring neuropsychiatric, renal, and hepatic side effects.

Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.