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Prescription medication · NNRTI / NRTI Combination

efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir

Also sold as Atripla. Efavirenz is used to treat HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.

Data updated 2026-05-15

6,041
FDA reports
32
InteractionsSeveral interactions
Rx
Availability

What the data shows

efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir (Atripla) is a prescription NNRTI / NRTI Combination, with 6,041 FDA adverse-event reports on file, with 32 documented drug interactions.

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir (Atripla) is a prescription NNRTI / NRTI Combination. Efavirenz is used to treat HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.

Efavirenz is a drug used to treat HIV-1 infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI).

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What it does

Efavirenz is used to treat HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.

Common side effects

Rash, Dizziness, Nausea

Key warnings

Efavirenz can cause serious side effects, including psychiatric problems like depression or suicidal thoughts.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Efavirenz blocks an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. HIV needs this enzyme to make copies of itself. By blocking it, efavirenz helps to slow down the spread of HIV in your body.

How to Take It

Take efavirenz once a day on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Adults usually take 600 mg. If you take rifampin, your efavirenz dose may need to be increased to 800 mg. For children, the dose is based on weight.

This is a plain-language summary of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Efavirenz can harm your unborn baby, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about using birth control while taking this medicine. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking efavirenz.

This is a plain-language summary of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

This is a plain-language summary of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store efavirenz tablets at room temperature, between 68° to 77°F.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 6,041 FDA adverse event reports.

Most-reported reactions

Adverse reactions in FAERS for efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, by number of reports

reports

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Source FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

Serious Warnings

Efavirenz can cause serious side effects, including psychiatric problems like depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Efavirenz can also harm your liver. Your doctor should check your liver function before and during treatment. Do not take efavirenz by itself.

Known Drug Interactions

moderate clarithromycin

Anti-infective: Clarithromycin ↓ clarithromycin * ↑ 14-OH metabolite * Consider alternatives to macrolide antibiotics because of the risk of QT interval prolongation.

Mechanism: This combination can change how the antibiotic is processed and may cause a dangerous heart rhythm problem.

What to do: Your doctor should consider using a different type of antibiotic to avoid these heart risks.

moderate sofosbuvir/velpatasvir

Velpatasvir/ Sofosbuvir ↓ velpatasvir Co-administration of efavirenz and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is not recommended because it may result in loss of therapeutic effect of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir Velpatasvir /Sofosbuvir/Voxilaprevir ↓ velpatasvir ↓ voxilaprevir Co-administration of efavirenz and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir is not recommended because it may result in loss of therapeutic effect of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir.

Mechanism: One medicine lowers the amount of the hepatitis C drug in your body, which can stop it from working correctly.

What to do: This combination is not recommended because it may cause your hepatitis C treatment to fail.

moderate posaconazole

Posaconazole ↓ posaconazole* Avoid concomitant use unless the benefit outweighs the risks.

Mechanism: Efavirenz causes the body to break down posaconazole more quickly, which lowers the amount of medicine available to fight infections.

What to do: Avoid using these drugs together unless your doctor decides the benefits are greater than the risks.

minor atorvastatin

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: Atorvastatin Pravastatin Simvastatin ↓ atorvastatin * ↓ pravastatin * ↓ simvastatin * Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin decreased.

Mechanism: The HIV medicine makes your body process the cholesterol drug more quickly, lowering its level in your blood.

What to do: Your doctor may need to check your cholesterol levels and adjust your dose to make sure the medicine is working.

minor sertraline

Antidepressant: Bupropion Sertraline ↓bupropion* ↓ sertraline * Increases in bupropion dosage should be guided by clinical response. Increases in sertraline dosage should be guided by clinical response.

Mechanism: Taking these drugs together can lower the amount of the antidepressant in your body.

What to do: Your doctor may need to increase your dose of the antidepressant if your symptoms do not improve.

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This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

Can I take efavirenz by itself?
No, efavirenz must be taken with other HIV medicines.
What should I do if I start feeling depressed or suicidal?
Seek medical help right away.
Does efavirenz interact with other medications?
Yes, efavirenz can interact with many other medications. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
Can I drink alcohol while taking efavirenz?
Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol while taking efavirenz.
What if I have liver problems?
Efavirenz is not recommended if you have moderate or severe liver problems.
How often will my doctor check my liver?
Your doctor should check your liver function before and during treatment.
Can efavirenz cause rash?
Yes, rash is a common side effect. Tell your doctor if you develop a severe rash.
Should I take efavirenz with food?
No, take efavirenz on an empty stomach.
What if I am taking voriconazole?
Your doctor will adjust the doses of both medications.
What if I am taking rifampin?
Your efavirenz dose may need to be increased.
What are the common side effects of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir?
The most commonly reported side effects of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir include Rash, Dizziness, Nausea, Headache, Fatigue. Based on 6,041 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
Does efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir interact with other medications?
Yes, efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir has 32 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include clarithromycin, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, posaconazole. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What drug class is efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir?
efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir belongs to the NNRTI / NRTI Combination drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Efavirenz is used to treat HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.
Is efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir safe during pregnancy?
Efavirenz can harm your unborn baby, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about using birth control while taking this medicine. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in NNRTI / NRTI Combination

Other drugs grouped near efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir - same-class peers and common alternatives.

acyclovir

Zovirax

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine.

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albendazole

Albenza

Albendazole is a medicine that fights parasites.

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amphotericin B

Ambisome, Fungizone

Amphotericin B liposome is an antifungal medicine.

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anidulafungin

Eraxis

Eraxis is an antifungal medicine.

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atovaquone/proguanil

Malarone

Malarone is a drug used to prevent and treat malaria.

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What the FDA Data Shows for efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir

The FDA label for efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir (sold under brand names such as Atripla) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the NNRTI / NRTI Combination class. Efavirenz is used to treat HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. Official labeling lists 9 commonly reported side effects, including Rash, Dizziness, Nausea.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 6,041 voluntary reports. The database also lists 32 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated moderate severity. Acquisition-cost data is surveyed weekly by CMS and updated as manufacturers report changes.

Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: June 28, 2024

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.

All federal data sources used on this page