Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva K.S.

Italy
Brand name Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva K.S.
Form tablets, film-coated
Prescription type Restricted prescription – non-repeatable, dispensable on hospital or specialist prescription
ATC code
Registration number 051758
Manufacturer ZENTIVA K.S.
Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva K.S. tablets, film-coated

Patient Information Leaflet

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.

600 mg/200 mg/245 mg film-coated tablets
Equivalent medicine
Please read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine, as it contains
important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to others, even if their symptoms are the same as yours, as it may be harmful.
  • If you experience any adverse reaction, including those not listed in this leaflet, contact your doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Contents of this leaflet:

  1. What Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. is and what it is used for
  2. What you need to know before taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
  3. How to take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
  4. Possible side effects
  5. How to store Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Zentiva k.s. is and what it is used for

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Zentiva k.s. contains three active substances used in
the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection:

  • Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
  • Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
  • Tenofovir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI)

Each of these active substances, also known as antiretroviral medicines, works by interfering with
the normal activity of an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is essential for the virus to replicate.
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Zentiva k.s. is a treatment for human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) infection in adults aged 18 years and older who have previously been treated with other antiretroviral medicines and who have HIV-1 infection under control for at least three months. Patients must not have experienced prior failure of anti-HIV therapy.

2. What you need to know before taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva

k.s.
Do not take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.

  • if you are allergic to efavirenz, emtricitabine, tenofovir, tenofovir disoproxil, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • if you have severe liver disease.
  • if you have a heart condition, such as an abnormal electrical signal called prolongation of the QT interval, which puts you at risk of serious heart rhythm problems (torsades de pointes).
  • if any member of your family (parents, grandparents, siblings) has died suddenly due to heart problems or was born with heart defects.
  • if your doctor has told you that you have low or high levels of electrolytes such as potassium or magnesium in your blood.
  • if you are currently taking any of the following medicines (see also “Other medicines and Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.”):
    • astemizole or terfenadine (used to treat hay fever or other allergies)
    • bepridil (used to treat heart diseases)
    • cisapride (used to treat heartburn)
    • elbasvir/grazoprevir (used to treat hepatitis C)
    • ergot alkaloids (e.g. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine and methylergonovine) (used to treat migraine and cluster headache)
    • midazolam or triazolam (used to help sleep)
    • pimozide, imipramine, amitriptyline or clomipramine (used to treat certain mental conditions)
    • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) (a herbal remedy for depression and anxiety)
    • voriconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
    • flecainide, metoprolol (used to treat irregular heartbeat)
    • some antibiotics (macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazoles)
    • triazole antifungals
    • some antimalarial agents
    • methadone (used to treat opioid addiction).

Inform your doctor immediately if you are taking any of these medicines. Taking
these medicines together with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may
cause serious or potentially fatal side effects, or may prevent these medicines from working properly.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil
Zentiva k.s.

  • This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. While taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., you may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection.
  • While taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., you must remain under medical supervision.
  • Inform your doctor:
    • if you are taking other medicines containing efavirenz, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil, tenofovir alafenamide, lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. must not be taken together with these medicines.
    • if you have or have had kidney disease, or if blood tests have shown kidney problems. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. is not recommended in cases of moderate to severe kidney disease.

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may have effects on the
kidneys. Before starting treatment, your doctor may order blood tests to assess kidney
function. Your doctor may also order blood tests during treatment to monitor kidney
function.
Generally, Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. should not be
taken with other medicines that may damage the kidneys (see Other medicines and
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.). If this is unavoidable, your
doctor will monitor your kidney function once a week.

  • if you have a heart condition, such as an abnormal electrical signal called prolongation of the QT interval.
  • if you have previously had mental disorders, including depression, or if you have abused certain substances or alcohol. Inform your doctor immediately if you feel depressed, have suicidal thoughts or unusual thoughts (see section 4, Possible side effects).
  • if you have previously had seizures (epileptic fits or convulsions) or if you are being treated with anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin. If you are taking any of these medicines, your doctor may need to monitor the level of the anticonvulsant medicine in your blood to ensure there are no problems during treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. Your doctor may also prescribe a different anticonvulsant.
  • if you have previously had liver problems, including active chronic hepatitis. Patients with liver problems, including chronic hepatitis B or C, treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, have an increased risk of serious and potentially fatal liver complications. Your doctor may request blood tests to closely monitor liver function or may prescribe another medicine. If you have severe liver disease, do not take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. (see above, section 2, Do not take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.).

If you have hepatitis B, your doctor will carefully evaluate the best treatment regimen
for you. Tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine, two of the active substances in this
medicine, have some activity against the hepatitis B virus, although emtricitabine is not
authorized for the treatment of hepatitis B infection. Symptoms of hepatitis may
worsen after stopping treatment with this medicine. Your doctor may request regular
blood tests to closely monitor liver function (see section 3, If you stop treatment with
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.).

  • Regardless of any previous liver problems, your doctor may request regular blood tests to monitor liver function.
  • if you are over 65 years of age. This medicine has not been studied in a sufficient number of patients over 65 years of age. If you are over 65 and have been prescribed this medicine, your doctor will monitor you closely.
    • Once you start taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., be alert for:
  • signs of dizziness, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating or unusual dreams. These side effects may occur during the first 1-2 days of treatment and usually disappear after the first 2-4 weeks.
  • any sign of rash. This medicine can cause skin rash. If you notice signs of a severe rash, with blistering or fever, stop taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. and inform your doctor immediately. If you have had a rash during treatment with another NNRTI, you may be at higher risk of developing skin rash with this medicine.
  • any sign of inflammation or infection. In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS) and a history of opportunistic infections, signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur shortly after starting anti-HIV treatment. These symptoms are believed to be due to improved immune response, allowing the body to fight infections that may have been present without clear symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of infection, inform your doctor immediately.

In addition to opportunistic infections, autoimmune disorders (a condition in which the
immune system attacks healthy body tissue) may also occur after starting medicines for
HIV infection treatment. Autoimmune disorders may occur many months after starting
treatment. If you notice any symptoms of infection or other symptoms such as muscle
weakness, initial weakness in hands and feet spreading toward the trunk, palpitations,
tremor or hyperactivity, inform your doctor immediately to receive necessary treatment.

  • bone problems (manifesting as persistent or worsening bone pain and sometimes fractures) may also occur following damage to renal tubular cells (see section 4, Possible side effects). Inform your doctor if you have bone pain or fractures.

Tenofovir disoproxil may also cause loss of bone mass. The most pronounced bone loss
has been observed in clinical studies when patients were treated with tenofovir
disoproxil in combination with a boosted protease inhibitor.
In general, the long-term effects of tenofovir disoproxil on bone health and the risk of
future fractures in adult and pediatric patients are uncertain.
Some adult HIV patients taking combination antiretroviral therapy may develop a
bone disease called osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply to
the bone). Duration of combination antiretroviral therapy, corticosteroid use, alcohol
consumption, severe immunosuppression, higher body mass index, among others, may
be some of the numerous risk factors for developing this condition. Signs of
osteonecrosis include joint stiffness, discomfort and pain (especially in hips, knees and
shoulders) and difficulty moving. Consult your doctor if you notice any of these
symptoms.
Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis, have previously had bone fractures or
have bone problems.
Children and adolescents

  • Do not administer Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. to children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The use of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. in children and adolescents has not yet been studied.

Other medicines and Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
You must not take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. together with
certain medicines. These medicines are listed in Do not take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
disoproxil Zentiva k.s., at the beginning of section 2. They include some commonly used medicines and
some herbal preparations (including St. John’s wort), which may cause serious interactions.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other
medicine.
Additionally, Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. must not be taken together
with other medicines containing efavirenz (unless advised by your doctor), emtricitabine, tenofovir
disoproxil, tenofovir alafenamide, lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil.
Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines that may damage the kidneys. These include,
for example:

  • aminoglycosides, vancomycin (medicines for bacterial infections)
  • foscarnet, ganciclovir, cidofovir (medicines for viral infections)
  • amphotericin B, pentamidine (medicines for fungal infections)
  • interleukin-2 (for cancer treatment)
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, used to relieve bone or muscle pain)

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may interact with other medicines, including
herbal preparations such as Ginkgo biloba extracts. As a result, blood levels of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
disoproxil Zentiva k.s. or other medicines may be altered. This could prevent the medicines from working
properly or could worsen side effects. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or monitor
medicine levels in the blood. It is important that you inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking
any of the following medicines:

  • Medicines containing didanosine (for HIV infection): taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. with other antiviral medicines containing didanosine may increase blood levels of didanosine and may reduce CD4 cell count. When medicines containing tenofovir disoproxil and didanosine have been taken together, rare cases of pancreatitis and lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid in the blood) have been reported, which sometimes led to death. Your doctor will need to consider very carefully whether to treat you with medicines containing tenofovir and didanosine.
  • Other medicines used for HIV infection: the following protease inhibitors: darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir or boosted ritonavir, atazanavir or saquinavir. Your doctor may prescribe a different medicine or adjust the dose of the protease inhibitor. Also inform your doctor if you are taking maraviroc.
  • Medicines used to treat hepatitis C virus-related infections: elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir.
  • Lipid-lowering medicines (also known as statins): atorvastatin, pravastatin or simvastatin. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may reduce blood levels of statins. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol levels and, if necessary, adjust the statin dose.
  • Medicines used to treat seizures/convulsions (anticonvulsants): carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may reduce blood levels of anticonvulsants. Carbamazepine may reduce blood levels of efavirenz, one of the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. Your doctor may prescribe a different anticonvulsant.
  • Medicines used to treat bacterial infections, including tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium complex infection associated with AIDS: clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifampicin. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dose or prescribe an alternative antibiotic. In addition, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of efavirenz for the treatment of HIV infection.
  • Medicines used to treat fungal infections (antifungals): itraconazole or posaconazole. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may reduce blood levels of itraconazole or posaconazole. Your doctor may consider treating you with a different antifungal.
  • Medicines used to treat malaria: atovaquone/proguanil or artemether/lumefantrine. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may reduce blood levels of atovaquone/proguanil or artemether/lumefantrine.
  • Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, injectable contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera), or contraceptive implants (e.g., Implanon): you must also use a reliable barrier method of contraception (see Pregnancy and breastfeeding). Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Cases of pregnancy have occurred in women taking efavirenz, one of the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., while using a contraceptive implant, although it has not been established that efavirenz therapy causes contraceptive failure.
  • Sertraline, a medicine used to treat depression, because your doctor may need to adjust the dose of sertraline.
  • Bupropion, a medicine used to treat depression or to help stop smoking, because your doctor may need to adjust the dose of bupropion.
  • Diltiazem or similar medicines (called calcium channel blockers): when you start taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., your doctor may need to adjust the dose of calcium channel blocker.
  • Medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection (also called immunosuppressants) such as cyclosporine, sirolimus or tacrolimus. When you start or stop taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., your doctor will need to closely monitor blood levels of the immunosuppressant and may adjust the dose.
  • Warfarin or acenocoumarol (medicines used to reduce blood clotting): your doctor may need to adjust the dose of warfarin or acenocoumarol.
  • Ginkgo biloba extracts (a herbal preparation).
  • Metamizole, a medicine used to treat pain and fever.
  • Praziquantel, a medicine used to treat certain parasitic infections.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Women must not become pregnant during treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
disoproxil Zentiva k.s. and for 12 weeks after stopping treatment. Your doctor may perform a
pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant before starting treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
If there is any possibility of becoming pregnant during treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/
Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., you must use a reliable barrier method of contraception (e.g., a condom) together with other contraceptive methods, including oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or other hormonal contraceptives (e.g., subcutaneous implant, injection). Efavirenz, one of the active substances in Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., may remain in the blood for some time after treatment ends. Therefore, you must continue using contraceptive methods as described above for 12 weeks after stopping treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, you should take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. only if, in consultation with your doctor, it is decided that it is absolutely necessary.
Severe birth defects have been observed in unborn animals and in infants born to women treated
with efavirenz during pregnancy.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
If you have already taken Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. during
pregnancy, your doctor may request periodic blood tests and other diagnostic tests to
monitor the baby's development. In children whose mothers took NRTIs during pregnancy, the benefit of protection against HIV has outweighed the risk of side effects.
Do not breastfeed during treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil
Zentiva k.s. Both HIV and the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil
Zentiva k.s. can pass into breast milk and may cause serious harm to the baby.
Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV because HIV infection can be transmitted to the baby through breast milk.
If you are breastfeeding or considering it, you should discuss this with your doctor as soon as
possible.
Driving and using machines
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may cause dizziness,
reduced concentration and drowsiness. If affected, do not drive and do not operate tools or machinery.
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, i.e. essentially “sodium-free”.

3. How to take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The recommended dose is:
One tablet daily, taken by mouth. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. should be taken on an empty stomach (commonly defined as 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal), preferably before going to bed. This may make some side effects (e.g. dizziness, drowsiness) less bothersome. Swallow the Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. tablet whole with water.
Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. must be taken every day.
If your doctor decides to discontinue one of the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., you may be given efavirenz, emtricitabine and/or tenofovir disoproxil separately or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of HIV infection.

If you take more Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. than you should
If you accidentally take too many tablets of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s., your risk of experiencing possible side effects related to this medicine may increase (see section 4, Possible side effects). Contact your doctor or the nearest emergency center immediately. Take the bottle of tablets with you so that you can clearly describe what has been taken.

If you forget to take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
It is important that you do not miss any dose of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
If you miss a dose of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. within 12 hours of your usual dosing time, take it as soon as possible, then take the next dose at the scheduled time.
If it is almost time for the next dose (less than 12 hours away), do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

In case of vomiting (within 1 hour after taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.), you must take another tablet. Do not wait until the time of the next dose. You should not take another tablet if you vomit more than 1 hour after taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.

If you stop taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.
Do not stop treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. without first contacting your doctor. Stopping Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. may seriously compromise your response to future treatment. If treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. is stopped, talk to your doctor before restarting the tablets. If problems occur, or if dose adjustment becomes necessary, your doctor may decide to prescribe the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. separately.

When your supply of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. starts to run low, contact your doctor or pharmacist to get more. This is very important because even a short break in treatment may allow the virus to start multiplying again, making it harder to control.

If you have both HIV and hepatitis B infection, it is especially important not to stop treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. without first consulting your doctor. Some patients have experienced worsening of hepatitis after stopping emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil (two of the three components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.), as shown by symptoms or blood tests. If treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. is stopped, your doctor may recommend restarting treatment for hepatitis B. Blood tests may be needed for up to 4 months after stopping treatment to monitor liver function. In some patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, discontinuation of treatment is not recommended, as it may lead to life-threatening worsening of hepatitis.

Inform your doctor immediately of any new or unusual symptoms occurring after stopping treatment, particularly symptoms normally associated with hepatitis B infection.

If you have any questions about how to use this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

During HIV therapy, an increase in weight and in blood lipid and glucose levels may occur. This is partly related to the recovery of health status and lifestyle, and in the case of blood lipids, sometimes to the HIV medicines themselves. Your doctor will monitor these changes.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Serious possible side effects: contact your doctor immediately

  • Lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid in the blood) is a rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people), but serious, side effect which can be fatal. The following side effects may be signs of lactic acidosis:
    • rapid and deep breathing
    • tiredness
    • feeling sick, vomiting and stomach pain.

If you think you have lactic acidosis, contact your doctor immediately.

Other possible serious side effects

The following side effects are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) which may cause severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, see section 2)
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
  • aggressive behaviour, suicidal thoughts, strange thoughts, paranoia, difficulty thinking clearly, mood disturbances, sensation of seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), suicide attempt, personality changes (psychosis), catatonia (a condition in which patients remain immobile and mute for a period of time)
  • abdominal pain (in the stomach area) caused by inflammation of the pancreas
  • forgetfulness, confusion, seizures, incoherent speech, tremor
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching or abdominal pain (in the stomach area) caused by liver inflammation
  • kidney tubule damage

Undesirable psychiatric effects, in addition to those already mentioned, include delirium (false beliefs) and neurosis. Some patients have died by suicide. These problems tend to occur more frequently in those who have had mental illnesses. In all cases, if you experience any of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.

Liver-related side effects: if you also have hepatitis B, your hepatitis may worsen after stopping treatment (see section 3).

The following side effects are rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

  • liver failure, which in some cases has been fatal or required liver transplantation. Most cases occurred in patients already suffering from liver disease, but some cases have been reported in patients without pre-existing liver disease
  • kidney inflammation, excessive urination and feeling thirsty
  • back pain caused by kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your doctor may perform blood tests to monitor kidney function
  • softening of the bones (with bone pain and sometimes fractures), which may be a consequence of damage to renal tubule cells
  • fatty liver

If you think you may have any of these serious side effects, inform your doctor.

More frequent side effects

The following side effects are very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

  • dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, feeling unwell (nausea), feeling sick (vomiting)
  • skin rashes (including red spots or pustules, sometimes with blisters and skin swelling) which may be an allergic reaction
  • feeling weak

Tests may also show:

  • reduced phosphate levels in the blood
  • increased creatine kinase levels in the blood, leading to muscle pain and weakness

Other possible side effects

The following side effects are common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • allergic reactions
  • coordination problems and balance disorders
  • anxiety or depression
  • difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness
  • pain, stomach ache
  • digestive problems with discomfort after meals, feeling of fullness, excess intestinal gas (flatulence)
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness
  • itching
  • change in skin colour with appearance of dark patches, often starting from the hands and soles of the feet
  • loss of bone mass

Tests may also show:

  • decreased white blood cell count (this may make you more susceptible to infection)
  • problems with liver and pancreas
  • increased fatty acids (triglycerides), bilirubin or blood glucose levels

The following side effects are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • muscle breakdown, muscle pain or muscle weakness
  • anaemia (low red blood cell count)
  • sensation of dizziness (vertigo), ringing, buzzing or other persistent noise in the ear
  • blurred vision
  • chills
  • increased breast size in men
  • reduced sex drive
  • redness
  • dry mouth
  • increased appetite

Tests may also show:

  • reduced potassium levels in the blood
  • increased creatinine levels in the blood
  • protein in the urine
  • increased cholesterol levels in the blood

Muscle breakdown, softening of the bones (with bone pain and sometimes fractures), muscle pain, muscle weakness and decreased potassium or phosphate levels in the blood may occur due to damage to renal tubular cells.

The following side effects are rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

  • itchy skin rashes caused by sunlight

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the website https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazioni-reazioni-avverse. Reporting side effects can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle and the outer carton after
"Exp.". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
This medicine does not require any special storage temperature conditions.
Do not dispose of any medicine via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist
how to dispose of medicines no longer used. This will help protect the environment.

6. Package contents and other information

What Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. contains

  • The active substances are efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. Each film-coated tablet contains 600 mg of efavirenz, 200 mg of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate equivalent to 245 mg of tenofovir disoproxil.
  • The other components are: tablet core - microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch (maize); film coating - polyvinyl alcohol (partially hydrolysed), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol, talc (E553b), iron oxide red (E172), iron oxide black (E172).

Description of the appearance of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. and pack contents
Film-coated tablets of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Zentiva k.s. are pink, capsule-shaped, biconvex, approximately 20×11 mm in size, printed with "CL 81" on one side and smooth on the other side.
HDPE bottle with a silica gel desiccant packet and child-resistant closure.
Pack sizes:
30 film-coated tablets
90 film-coated tablets
Multiple pack: 90 (3 bottles of 30) film-coated tablets
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder
Zentiva, k.s.
U Kabelovny 130
102 37 Prague 10
Czech Republic

Manufacturer
Zentiva S.A
Theodor Pallady Blvd., no 50,
3 district 032266, Bucharest, Romania