FORSTAVIR 3 TAB

FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET belongs to the class of medicines called ‘antiretroviral agents’ used to treat HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune cells of the body leading to decreased immunity. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat that usually last for days to several weeks.

FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET contains Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme production, which the HIV-infected cells must make to make new viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication.

You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET are dizziness, headache, diarrhea, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), rashes (red spots or blotches sometimes with blistering and swelling of the skin), and feeling weak. These side-effects usually resolve without requiring any medical attention. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended to take FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET if you are allergic to any contents of it. Do not take FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET if you have severe liver disease, moderate to severe kidney disease, heart condition such as prolongation of the QT interval, which increases the risk of severe heart rhythm problems, family history of heart problems, and low electrolyte levels. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It should be used with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly people. Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side effects. FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

Treatment of HIV infection

FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET belongs to the group of medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART). FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) and contains Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir. FDC helps decrease drug resistance (reducing medication effectiveness) as the HIV virus can easily develop drug resistance. FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET helps reduce the symptoms, control the infection, and prevent opportunistic infections effectively. It further helps in improving the quality of life of a patient with HIV.

FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET should be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, preferably at bedtime. Swallow FORSTAVIR 3 TABLET as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Rashes (red spots or blotches sometimes with blistering and swelling of the skin)
• Feeling weak
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness
• Feeling worried or depressed