Antiretroviral (combination NNRTI + NRTIs)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination of three antiretroviral (anti-HIV) medicines — Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate — combined in one tablet. They work together to stop HIV from multiplying in your body, helping your immune system stay strong.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase through three complementary mechanisms: efavirenz binds non-competitively to reverse transcriptase, while emtricitabine and tenofovir act as nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that competitively inhibit the enzyme and cause chain termination, collectively preventing viral RNA conversion to DNA and integration into host cells.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet once a day, preferably at bedtime on an empty stomach. Taking it at night helps reduce side effects like dizziness and strange dreams. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Take it at the same time every day without missing doses — this is very important for HIV treatment to work properly.
If you miss a dose and remember within a few hours, take it right away. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose. Try to set an alarm so you don't miss doses.
Always collect your HIV drugs from a trusted hospital pharmacy or accredited pharmacy — never buy from roadside sellers or unregistered sources, as fake HIV drugs are dangerous. Never stop taking this medicine on your own or share it with someone else, even if they also have HIV. Attend your clinic appointments regularly so your doctor can check your kidneys, liver, and viral load.
Do not take with herbal remedies containing St. John's wort as it can make the HIV medicine stop working. Avoid taking with rifampicin-based TB drugs without your doctor adjusting the dose — many Nigerians on HIV treatment also have TB, so always tell your doctor. Alcohol can worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Efavirenz, so reduce or avoid alcohol.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Efavirenz; with your other drugs?
Efavirenz can cause birth defects, especially in the first three months of pregnancy — if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor immediately so they can switch you to a safer option.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Efavirenz; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate?
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