What is Viraday (Atripla)?

Viraday contains the same active ingredients but it is manufactured in India by the reputable company Cipla.

Viraday combines three proven anti-HIV drugs called emtricitabine, efavirenz and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate into a single pill. If taken everyday, this drug can prevent replication and mutation of HIV-1 in adults, allowing HIV infected individuals to live long, healthy lives free from AIDS.

Dosing

The drug is taken orally once a day. Gastrointestinal and nervous system side effects can be mitigated by taking Viraday on an empty stomach or right before bedtime. Patients with significant renal function impairment should avoid taking it.

Contraindications

Contraindications include hypersensitivity to any one of Viraday's three components along with taking astemizole, cisapride, ergot derivatives, midazolam, triazolam or voriconazole.

Viraday Side Effects

Typical adverse effects of Viraday include:

• depression
• gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea
• headache
• nervous system symptoms
• rash

Less common adverse effects are:

• abdominal pain
• anorexia
• flatulence
• hepatotoxicity
• lactic acidosis

Additional side effects have been documented, so consult your doctor if you notice any health changes after beginning Viraday.

Advisories & Precautions

Immune reconstitution syndrome and nervous system disturbances may manifest during the first couple of weeks after starting Viraday, but both should resolve themselves within the first month. Patients taking this med should have their viral loads continually monitored along with their renal functions, cholesterol and triglycerides. Research currently advises people with liver disorders to avoid Viraday. Sudden discontinuation of Viraday can trigger a flare up in patients with hepatitis. Changes in body fat distribution and bone structure are documented as long term side effects of some antiretroviral drugs, so talk to your doctor if you undergo any unexplained physical changes.

Interactions With Other Drugs

The drug may cause renal problems if taken with acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir or valganciclovir. Viraday can exacerbate the side effects of didanosine. The medication side effects can be worsened by taking atazanavir or lopinavir/ritonavir. Patients who take Viraday cannot take atazanavir without also taking ritonavir. Viraday can affect plasma concentrations of clarithromycin, rifabutin, warfarin and any medications metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. The medication may reduce the effectiveness of methadone, possibly causing symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Patients taking Viraday with carbamazepine, phenobarbitol, or phenytoin must have their anticonvulsant levels regularly monitored. Viraday may worsen the adverse effects of psychoactive drugs on the nervous system. This medication may inhibit the functionality of ethinyl estradiol, which plays a vital role in many contraceptives. Rifampin and anything containing hypericum perforatum, or St. John's wort, can render efavirenz ineffective, possibility resulting in the HIV becoming immune to the drug.

Pregnancy & Lactation

One of Viraday's key ingredients, efavirenz, poses a risk of birth defects to pregnant women. HIV infected mothers shouldn't breastfeed due to the risk of transmitting the virus to their infant.

Overdose

High doses of Viraday can cause long term damage to the body, so seek immediate medical care if you ingest more than the recommended amount. A haemodialysis, hemodialysis or oral charcoal may be needed to purge toxic chemicals from the body.