Vianca Tablet (Efavirenz, Lamivudine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate) Used to Treat HIV-1 Infection in Adults

Precautions

Vianca Tablet should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in HIV treatment. Following these precautions can help maximize the effectiveness of therapy while reducing the risk of complications.

Take Exactly as Prescribed

• Take Vianca Tablet at the same time every day.
• Do not skip doses or stop treatment without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to viral resistance and treatment failure.

Kidney Function Monitoring

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may affect kidney function in some patients. Your doctor may perform regular kidney function tests before and during treatment, especially if you have existing kidney disease.

Liver Disease

Use Vianca with caution if you have liver disorders, including hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV). Stopping treatment suddenly in patients with hepatitis B may cause severe worsening of liver disease. Regular liver function tests may be recommended.

Mental Health Precautions

Efavirenz can cause mood changes, anxiety, depression, vivid dreams, confusion, or difficulty sleeping. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience severe mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or unusual behavior.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
• Breastfeeding is generally not recommended for individuals living with HIV, as HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.

Bone Health

Long-term use of Tenofovir may reduce bone mineral density in some patients. People with osteoporosis or a history of bone fractures should discuss appropriate monitoring with their doctor.

Drug Interactions

Vianca may interact with several prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements (especially St. John's Wort), and anticonvulsants. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.

Alcohol Consumption

Limit or avoid alcohol while taking Vianca, as alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems and worsen dizziness or drowsiness caused by Efavirenz.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Efavirenz may cause dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, or abnormal dreams, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

Risk of Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

As your immune system begins to recover, it may respond to hidden infections that were previously unnoticed. Inform your doctor if you develop new symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or persistent inflammation after starting treatment.

Regular Medical Follow-up

Routine monitoring is essential during treatment and may include:

• HIV viral load testing
• CD4 cell count
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Bone health assessment when clinically indicated

Continue Safe Practices

Although Vianca helps reduce HIV viral load, it does not cure HIV or completely eliminate the risk of transmission. Continue practicing safer sex and never share needles or other injection equipment.

Important: Vianca Tablet should only be taken with a valid prescription and under regular medical supervision. Never share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.

Usage

• Vianca is taken once daily, preferably at bedtime, and often on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal to help reduce side effects such as dizziness or vivid dreams. 
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew or split the tablet unless advised by your doctor. 
• Consistent daily use is critical — missing doses or stopping treatment can lead to viral resistance, reduced efficacy, or treatment failure. 
• Regular monitoring (viral load, CD4 count, liver & kidney function tests) is necessary while on therapy.

Uses

• Treatment of HIV-1 Infection:
  Vianca Tablet is used to manage HIV-1 infection in adults and eligible patients as prescribed by a healthcare professional. It helps suppress viral replication and lowers HIV viral load.
• Supports Immune System Health:
  By controlling HIV levels in the blood, this medicine helps maintain or improve CD4 cell levels, which are important for the body's ability to fight infections.
• Reduces Risk of HIV-Related Complications:
  Consistent use of antiretroviral therapy can reduce the risk of developing HIV-related illnesses and improve long-term health outcomes.

Side Effects

Vianca Tablet may cause some side effects as your body adjusts to the medicine. Not everyone experiences side effects, and many effects may improve with continued treatment. However, if any symptoms become severe or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Vianca Tablet

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness or weakness
• Sleep disturbances or unusual dreams
• Skin rash
• Abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in body fat distribution

Serious Potential Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe skin reactions:
  Serious rash, blistering, peeling skin, or swelling of the face and throat may require immediate medical care.
• Liver problems:
  Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, persistent nausea, abdominal pain, or unusual tiredness.
• Kidney problems:
  Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may affect kidney function in some patients. Signs may include reduced urination, swelling in the legs or feet, or unusual fatigue.
• Bone health changes:
  Long-term use of Tenofovir may be associated with decreased bone mineral density in some individuals.
• Lactic acidosis (rare but serious):
  Symptoms may include unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, stomach pain, or irregular heartbeat.
• Immune reconstitution syndrome:
  As the immune system improves, some patients may experience inflammation or worsening of certain infections due to immune response changes.

FAQs

Q1. Does Vianca Tablet cure HIV?
No. Vianca Tablet does not cure HIV or AIDS. It helps control HIV infection by reducing viral load, improving immune function, and lowering the risk of HIV-related complications.

Q2. What should I do if I miss a dose of Vianca Tablet?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses together.

Q3. Can I stop taking Vianca Tablet when I feel better?
No. HIV treatment needs to be continued as prescribed, even if you feel healthy. Stopping the medicine without medical advice may allow the virus to increase and may lead to drug resistance.

Q4. Can Vianca Tablet be used during pregnancy?
Vianca Tablet may be used during pregnancy only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Your doctor will evaluate the benefits, risks, and overall health condition before recommending treatment.

Q5. Can HIV be transmitted while taking Vianca Tablet?
When HIV treatment successfully reduces the viral load to an undetectable level, the risk of sexual transmission becomes effectively zero. However, continue following your healthcare provider’s advice regarding HIV prevention and safe practices.

Interactions

Vianca Tablet may interact with certain medicines, supplements, and health conditions. These interactions can affect how the medicine works or increase the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements you are taking before starting Vianca Tablet.

Medicines That May Interact With Vianca Tablet

1. Other HIV Medicines

• Taking Vianca with certain antiretroviral medicines may affect HIV treatment effectiveness or increase side effects.
• Your doctor will select appropriate combinations to maintain effective viral suppression.

2. Medicines Affecting Kidney Function

• Medicines such as certain pain relievers (NSAIDs), some antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medicines that affect kidney function may increase the risk of kidney-related side effects with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.

3. Anticonvulsant Medicines (Seizure Medicines)

• Medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital may reduce Efavirenz levels in the body and may affect treatment effectiveness.

4. Tuberculosis Medicines

• Drugs used for tuberculosis treatment, such as rifampicin, may interact with Efavirenz and require dose adjustments or careful monitoring.

5. Antifungal Medicines

• Some antifungal medicines may interact with Efavirenz and change their effectiveness. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or monitoring.

6. Sedatives and Medicines Affecting the Nervous System

• Efavirenz may interact with certain medicines used for anxiety, sleep disorders, or mental health conditions and may increase nervous system-related effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

7. Herbal Supplements

• Avoid using herbal products like St. John’s Wort unless approved by your doctor, as they may reduce the effectiveness of Efavirenz.

Food & Alcohol Interactions

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Vianca may increase the risk of dizziness, mood changes, or liver-related problems. Discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider.
• Food: Vianca is generally taken as directed by your doctor. Taking Efavirenz-containing medicines with high-fat meals may increase Efavirenz absorption and may worsen certain side effects in some patients.

Health Conditions to Inform Your Doctor About

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
• Bone-related problems such as osteoporosis
• History of mental health conditions, depression, or seizures
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant

Important Note

Do not start, stop, or change any medicine while taking Vianca Tablet without consulting your healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or other monitoring to ensure the treatment remains safe and effective.