Efavirenz: no longer recommended

Although it was used for many years, efavirenz is no longer a preferred drug treatment guidelines.

This includes in the UK, European or US guidelines.

It also includes WHO guidelines for low- and middle-income countries.

This is because many people have difficult side effects with efavirenz.

UK guidelines also recommend that people who are already taking efavirenz, also be offered an integrase inhibitor.

No one in the UK should have to put up with side effects from efavirenz.

Efavirenz can affect your sleep, your moods or your confidence.

It can make you feel more anxious and nervous.

Even if you are used to these side effects most people find switching to alternative HIV drug is better. You can alwasy switch back to efavirenz later if you prefer this.

Efavirenz should not be prescribed for anyone who is anxious or depressed. It should never be prescribed to anyone who has a history of these symptoms. It should not be prescribed for people who work shifts.

Last updated: 1 September 2024.