Atripla is a prescription drug that is effective in preventing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from reproducing in the body. HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS. But Atripla is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It simply controls the growth of HIV, preventing the virus from wrecking havoc in the body and potentially avoiding the development of AIDS.
Atripla has three active ingredients- efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. These ingredients make the drug effective in controlling HIV. By taking this drug, HIV-infected people can reduce the chances of getting complications like new infections or cancer. It can also improve their quality of life.
Atripla comes in tablet form. It is taken orally on an empty stomach once a day, usually during bedtime. Pregnant women are warned against using this medication, as it may harm the fetus especially during the first three months of pregnancy. Women who are in the childbearing stage should also take a pregnancy test first before using this medication.
Atripla Cost Information
The price of the drug varies depending on the dosage and the store that sells it. Five tablets of Atripla cost $338, or an average of $67 per tablet. The prices can be cheaper if the buyer has insurance.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,001.87 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,139.11 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $5,993.11 |
Kmart |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,002.37 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,090.40 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $5,648.93 |
Kroger |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,003.12 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,090.40 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $5,994.36 |
Publix |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,002.42 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,090.40 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $5,993.66 |
Rite Aid |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,042.06 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,229.02 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $6,112.19 |
Target |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,012.26 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,090.40 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $5,649.44 |
Walgreens |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $2,039.43 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,090.65 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $6,101.29 |
Walmart |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 30 tablets | $1,988.79 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 60 tablets | $4,048.20 |
| 200mg/300mg/600mg | 90 tablets | $5,962.36 |
Short-Term Side Effects
First-time users of Atripla may experience mild side effects like difficulty in sleeping and troubles in concentrating. They might also feel dizzy and drowsy after taking the drug. These side effects may become apparent a day or two after the user takes the drug. These symptoms should be gone in as short as two weeks up to four weeks. Other less-common side effects include unexplained fatigue, headache, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. In some cases, the user may notice skin discoloration in the feet, darkening of the palms and small freckles. If these side effects worsen, patients must inform their doctors immediately.
Long-Term Side Effects
Taking of Atripla may potentially cause lactic acidosis, which is characterized by symptoms like muscle pain, numbness of the arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, uneven heart rate and fatigue.
Atripla usage for years can also result to liver problems which may be fatal in the long run. If patients notice symptoms like pain in the upper part of the stomach, dark urine, itching, nausea, lack of appetite and yellowing of the skin or eyes, they must immediately seek medical help. The use of Atripla has been associated with diabetes risk, although the risk is very low.
Interactions
Atripla may not be effective if the patient uses other drugs like:
- Berpidil
- Cisapride
- Triazolam
- Pimozide
- Midazolam
- Emtricitabine
- Iamivudine
- Abacavir Sulfate
There is also an increased risk of kidney problems if Atripla is used with other medicines like antivirals, injected antibiotics, chemotherapy, medication for bowel disorder and prevention of organ transplant rejection and drug for arthritis like Tylenol and Advil.
Generic Alternatives
People who experience side effects while using Atripla may have to settle for the only alternative to this medication- Viramune (nevirapine).
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