Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir oral tablet is a generic medication prescribed to treat HIV in adults and some children. It’s typically taken once per day.

This medication’s three active ingredients are from two different drug classes:

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir isn’t available as a brand-name version. The original brand name, Atripla, has been discontinued in the United States.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking this medication, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for details about the dosage of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir and more.

Form

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir comes as an oral tablet.

Strength

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir comes in one strength. Every tablet contains:

  • 600 milligrams (mg) efavirenz
  • 200 mg emtricitabine
  • 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Typical dosages

The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for HIV

Doctors may prescribe efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir tablet to treat HIV. The medication is typically taken with other antiretroviral drugs for HIV.

If your doctor prescribes efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, you’ll take one tablet once per day.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Children’s dosage

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir tablet is approved to treat HIV in children of any age who weigh at least 40 kilograms (kg), which is about 88 pounds (lb).*

The children’s dosage is the same as the adult dosage. Your child will take one tablet once per day. Your child’s doctor may prescribe the medication with other HIV antiretroviral drugs.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 lb.

Long-term treatment

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir tablet is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that the medication is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking this medication, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water.

Your doctor will likely recommend taking your dose on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. This timing helps prevent or reduce certain side effects.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about how to take this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss a dose of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, take it as soon as you remember. If you’re not sure whether to take your missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms may include:

If you take more than the recommended amount

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much of this medication. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir tablet.

Is the dosage of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir similar to the dosage of Genvoya?

Yes, the forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir and Genvoya are both oral tablets taken once per day. The dose in mg for each medication differs because they have different active ingredients.

However, efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir is only available as a generic. (Atripla is the original brand-name version that has been discontinued in the United States.) Genvoya is a brand-name drug that contains four combined ingredients: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.

Your doctor will prescribe the medication and the dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir and Genvoya compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir to start working?

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir tablet starts to work after your first dose. But it may take between 8 and 24 weeks to see the full effect of the medication. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether it’s working for you.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with your HIV treatment.

The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If you have questions about taking this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For details about HIV, see this article and our HIV and AIDS hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.