Guides

Atripla (efavirenz + tenofovir DF + FTC)

2 February 2020. Related: ARVs, Fixed dose combinations, NNRTIs, Nukes.

Generic versions of Atripla (pictured) will look different. Generic versions include Atenef, Atreslawin, Atroiza, Citenvir, Heftenam, Odimune, Rizene, Teevir, Trenvir, Tribuss, Triolar, Trivenz, Truno, Trustiva, Viraday and Vonavir. The WHO refer to this combination as AF2B.

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  • Atripla is the European tradename for a fixed dose combination of efavirenz, tenofovir DF and FTC.
  • In some countries, Atripla is a white tablet with the same design.
  • Generic versions of Atripla include Atenef, Atreslawin, Atroiza, Citenvir, Heftenam, Odimune, Teevir, Trenvir, Tribuss, Triolar, Trivenz, Truno, Trustiva, Viraday and Vonavir. These meds have contain the same active ingredients as Atripla and are just as safe and effective. WHO refer to this combination as AF2B. Tenarenz, Telura and Eflaten are generic versions that are similar but contain lamivudine (3TC) instead of emtricitabine (FTC).
  • Standard adult dose: 1 pill once-daily.
  • Take before bedtime, on an empty stomach (or not with a high fat meal). A high fat meal increases drug levels of efavirenz by 60%. This increases the likelihood of side effects.
  • Side effects are mainly related to the efavirenz: sleep disturbance (including nightmares), mood changes (including anxiety and depression), rash, liver toxicity, lipid changes, kidney problems. If you don’t sleep well, then you can be tired the next day, so fatigues is a common side effect too.
    Taking the pill at night reduces these side effects as you will be sleeping when drug levels are highest. A high fat meal can increase efavirenz levels but other food is okay.
  • If side effect continue, ask your doctor about alternative treatment to switch to.
  • See information on individual drugs in Atripla for more information.
  • Other notes: can now be taken during pregnancy or by women trying for a baby. Originally alternative meds were recommended.

Further information

Information on efavirenz side effects from the i-Base side effects guide.

Information on tenofovir DF side effects from the i-Base side effects guide.

The European patient information and detailed Product Information for Atripla are available from this link on the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website.

The Patient Information is a simplified summary: what the drug is, why it is used, results from studies and cautions including side effects.

The Product Information is a detailed technical summary that you can access as a PDF file by clicking the ‘Product Information’ tab. It describes more precisely how the drug works and how it is processed by your body. This includes, for example, reported food interaction studies in terms of calories or fat content. It includes more details of the study results and a full list of side effects and drug interactions.