Is efavirenz safe in pregnancy?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to advise women to avoid becoming pregnant while taking EFV and to advise health care providers to avoid administering EFV during the first trimester, because fetal harm may occur.

Why is efavirenz contraindicated in first trimester of pregnancy?

Efavirenz Pregnancy Warnings. Animal studies have revealed evidence of fetal harm. This drug crosses the placenta in animals and produces fetal blood levels similar to maternal blood levels. This drug may cause fetal harm when used during the first trimester.

What is the most common side effect of efavirenz?

The most common side effects of efavirenz are (most common in bold): Rash, itching, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headache, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, anxiety, depression, raised triglyceride and liver enzyme levels.

Can efavirenz cause Steven Johnson Syndrome?

In patients taking efavirenz, 0.14 % may develop Stevens–Johnson syndrome. Here, a patient with human immunodeficiency virus developed Stevens–Johnson syndrome 2 weeks after the introduction of efavirenz (600 mg once daily).

Can ARVs harm my unborn baby?

Are antiretrovirals safe for my baby? Research suggests that anti-HIV drugs are safe to use in pregnancy. There may be a slightly increased risk of giving birth prematurely or having a low birth-weight baby. However, other research suggests antiretrovirals don’t contribute to premature births.

Which ARVs are safe during pregnancy?

The antiretroviral drugs dolutegravir and emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (DTG+FTC/TAF) may comprise the safest and most effective HIV treatment regimen currently available during pregnancy, researchers announced today.

Why is efavirenz being phased out?

Neuropsychiatric adverse effects are by far the most common reasons for discontinuation. Discontinuation occurs late in the course of treatment suggesting persistence of central nervous system toxicity, which may impact quality of life negatively on a long-term basis.

Can I stop taking efavirenz?

Efavirenz controls HIV infection, but does not cure it. Continue to take efavirenz even if you feel well. Do not stop taking efavirenz without talking to your doctor.

Which ARV causes Steven Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused by the antiretroviral drug nevirapine.

What drug causes Steven Johnson Syndrome?

Medications most likely to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include: Antibacterial sulfa drugs. Anti-epileptic drugs, including phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), lamotrigine (Lamictal®), and phenobarbital (Luminal®). Allopurinol (Aloprim®, Zyloprim®), a drug used to treat gout and kidney stones.