FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET has the following salts in its composition

 1) Emtricitabine (200mg)  2) Tenofovir (300mg)  3) Efavirenz

Uses Of FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

Uses Of Salt: Emtricitabine (200mg)

Emtricitabine is used in the treatment of following conditions:

• Prevention of human immune deficiency virus infection and complications arising due to HIV infection.

Uses Of Salt: Tenofovir (300mg)

Tenofovir is popularly used along with other antiviral drugs for the management of chronic hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS.

Tenofovir can be used for HIV prevention in people who are at high risk of infection. It decrease the risk significantly. Moreover, in HIV positive people Tenofovir significantly reduce the progression of HIV positive state to AIDS.

Uses Of Salt: Efavirenz

Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is suggested with other HIV medications to boost the control of HIV infection.

It is also prescribed to lower the complications occurred due to HIV such that the life span of the patient may be increased.

Side Effects Of FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

Side Effects Of Salt: Emtricitabine (200mg)

Some common side effects that may be caused by the intake of emtricitabine are:

• A headache, trouble sleeping
• Diarrhoea, darkening of skin color and palms of hands

Please consult a physician if the symptoms are persistent.

Side Effects Of Salt: Tenofovir (300mg)

Tenofovir is usually well tolerated. However, in some cases it may cause:

• Lactic acidosis (accumulation of lactic acid in the blood). The risk of getting lactic acidosis is high in women and obese people.
• Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness
• Depression 

Side Effects Of Salt: Efavirenz

The most often side effects of Efavirenz are:

• Drowsiness, Dizziness, Unusual dreams, Depression, Trouble sleeping

Symptoms like headache, vomiting, tiredness, nausea and diarrhoea may also be observed.

Consult the physician in case of persistent side effects.

Contraindications Of FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

Contraindications Of Salt: Emtricitabine (200mg)

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity towards the emtricitabine or any other allergies.
• Alcohol abuse
• Kidney problems, liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis

Contraindications Of Salt: Tenofovir (300mg)

Consultation with doctor is necessary before taking Tenofovir in below mentioned medical conditions.

• Lactic acidosis
• Low amount of phosphate in the blood
• Softening of Bones
• Enlarged fatty liver
• Acute renal failure 

Contraindications Of Salt: Efavirenz

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Hyper sensitivity to Efavirenz or any other allergies.
• Depression or any other mental/ mood conditions.
• Hepatic problems.
• High cholesterol levels
• Seizures 

What Is Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), attacks the immune system of human body. The immune system protects the body from all sorts of ailments. A cell called T-helper cell (also called the CD4 cells) in the white blood cells (WBCs) is attacked by it. The virus destroys it and replicates it by making its own copies in the WBC. So as it breaks down the immune system, the person can’t fight against any infections or diseases.
• AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a set of symptoms acquired due to HIV.  This is the last stage of HIV as the immune system degrades that it can’t fight even the minor infections. 

What Is AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

 AIDS is the end stage form of HIV (Stage 4 HIV). Patients are first diagnosed with HIV, and then the disease may later progress to AIDS, although not all patients who have HIV will end up with AIDS.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and thus breaks down its ability to fight and prevent infections. HIV specifically attacks the white blood cells in the immune system called the CD4 cells. These cells are critical in our body's defense against diseases.

HIV is spread by contact with contaminated body fluids.

HIV is diagnosed with a blood test. In infancy, an HIV PCR test is done (assesses DNA to find HIV present). In patients older than 18monts, a test called HIV ELISA is done. Nowadays, there are many rapid finger prick tests available for HIV that have a sensitivity of 90-95%.

Blood tests used to monitor the disease are CD4 counts and the HIV viral load in the blood. Initially, as HIV multiplies in the body, the number of viral cells in the blood will be high- thus the patient will have a high viral load. Inversely the CD4 count of the immune system will be very low, as the HIV is actively destroying the cells.

When a patient starts treatment, the reverse should be seen in blood tests- The HIV viral load should come down, and the number of CD4 cells in the body should increase.

There has been a dramatic change in HIV/AIDS medicine over the past decade. HIV is no longer a death sentence.  AIDS is now on the road to become a chronic medical condition,  that can be managed life-long, in the same way as diabetes or high blood pressure. Patients who are on HIV treatment can have a normal lifespan and be healthy throughout.

What Is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection which attacks the liver. It is caused by a virus called hepatitis B or HBV and can be transmitted from one person to another.

• Acute hepatitis B: When a person initially acquires the infection, they are in the acute stage. With treatment, most people can get rid of the virus and completely recover. This short-term phase is called acute hepatitis B.
• Chronic hepatitis B: However, some people cannot eliminate the virus, and the disease progresses into a long-term phase called chronic hepatitis B. The chronic hepatitis B damages the liver, can become potentially life-threatening and usually stays for life. Usually, when children who are below 6 years of age develop this disease, they are at risk of going into the chronic phase.
• Fulminant hepatitis B: Very rarely, in acute hepatitis B, the liver is damaged so badly that it cannot function. Such people have bleeding problems and may go into the coma. Liver transplant is considered in such cases.

Hepatitis B virus spreads from one person to another by contact with blood and other body fluids. The good news is that this disease can be prevented by a vaccine.

Symptoms Treated With FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

What Are The Symptoms Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

• Within 2-4 weeks of getting the infection, one may experience flu like symptoms like cold, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fatigue etc. After that, it becomes asymptomatic, till it reaches AIDS stage. 

What Are The Symptoms Of AIDS

During the initial period of infection with HIV, patients may experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, runny nose, chills and body aches. Swollen lymph nodes over the body may also be present.

As the immune system weakens, the patient may present with recurrent episodes of infections.

The hallmark of infections in HIV is that patients usually experience infections by "opportunistic" organisms. These are bacteria, fungi or parasites that under normal circumstances in a healthy immune system would not cause disease.

These include tuberculosis, fungal infections of the lungs and meninges in the brain (pneumocystis pneumonia and cryptococcal meningitis). Often the patient may also present with recurrent yeast infections in the mouth- oral Candida or vaginal thrush.

AIDS is defined as stage 4 HIV, or when certain opportunistic infections are present. These include HIV wasting syndrome (wasting and loss of weight), HIV encephalopathy (degeneration of brain function due to HIV) and oesophageal candida (yeast infection in the esophagus).

What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis B

People afflicted with hepatitis B may not be aware that they are infected because they do not suffer from any symptoms initially. Even if they exhibit symptoms, they are flu-like. Hepatitis B symptoms include:

• Headache.
• Mild fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Feeling tired.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Dark coloured urine.
• Skin and eyes appear yellow in colour (jaundice).
• Stools appear tan coloured.

Most people who have chronic hepatitis B do not have any symptoms.

Causes of diseases where FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET is used

What Are The Causes Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

HIV/AIDS is spread when fluid from infected person reaches another person’s body. These fluids can be blood, vaginal fluids, semen, pre-seminal fluids or breast milk. The ways the HIV/AIDS is transmitted are:

• Sexual transmission (unprotected sex with the infected partner). Sexual transmission is through sexual fluids infected with HIV, unprotected sex (anal, vaginal).
• Perinatal transmission. An infected mother can pass it to a kid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childbirth.
• Through blood transfusion, sharing of needles etc. with the infected person.    

What Are The Causes Of AIDS

AIDS is caused by HIV.

HIV is spread by contact with infected body fluids. This includes blood and semen. Tears and saliva cannot carry HIV.

HIV cannot survive outside the body and cannot be spread via droplets or air routes. When blood containing HIV is exposed to air, the virus dies. You cannot get HIV from contact with dried blood.

For HIV transmission to occur, there has to contact with mucous membranes or open wounds on the skin. HIV cannot be spread through intact skin.

The most common ways of transmission are sharing of contaminated or contact with hypodermic needles (health care professionals), unprotected sexual activity, mother to child transmission (during delivery and breastfeeding) and contact with blood products.

What Are The Causes Of Hepatitis B

As mentioned, hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is present in the body secretions of the infected person, like in the semen, saliva, vaginal discharge, breast milk, and blood. The disease is spread from one person to another in the following ways:

• By having sex with a hepatitis B person without using a condom.
• By sharing needles while injecting drugs with an infected person.
• Getting tattoos with needles which have not been sterilised.
• Coming in contact with infected needles during medical procedures.
• By using unsterilized needles in acupuncture.
• By sharing sharp equipment like razors with an infected person.
• A pregnant mother who has hepatitis B can spread the infection to her child during childbirth. The transmission of the disease to the baby can be prevented by giving it vaccines after childbirth.

Hepatitis B is not spread by casual contact like touching. Neither is it spread by hugging, kissing, sharing plates, food or drinks. Similarly, coughing and sneezing do not spread the infection.

Worst Foods With FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

What Are The Worst Foods For Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

• Too high salt.
• Red meat, ready-made foods, sugary items. These are difficult to digest, hence reduce your capacity to eat healthy foods.
• Raw eggs
• Uncooked, half cooked meats, sushi, or raw meats, or raw seafood, unpasteurized milk or dairy products.

What Are The Worst Foods For AIDS

• No specific foods have been shown to worsen HIV.
• In general, any food that puts increased strain on the body will exacerbate the effect that HIV already has on the immune system.
• Processed food and refined carbohydrates, as well as sugars, increase inflammation in the body.
• Alcohol also increases inflammation and overburden the body's detoxification system.

What Are The Worst Foods For Hepatitis B

• Avoid processed food as it is difficult for the liver to digest it. Processed and packaged foods are devoid of nutrients and are high in sugar and salt.
• Avoid butter, sour cream, high-fat dairy products, margarine, fatty meat and fried foods as these contain saturated fats which are bad for the liver.
• Avoid sugary foods like candies, cakes, pastries, ice creams, etc.
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes during the recovery phase.
• Limit salt intake. Reduce eating packaged food, canned soups, fries, etc.
• Hepatitis B patient has to refrain from having too much caffeine. Tea, coffee and caffeinated beverages have to be avoided.

Do's With Usage of FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

• Use condoms during sex.
• Continue your antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is the use of medicines for treating HIV infection. ART doesn’t cure HIV but slows the growth of the disease. Continuation of ART increases the life span of the patient.
• Protect yourself from infections.
• Take good care of your diet as key to fight HIV/AIDS lies in building/ maintaining strong immune system    

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage AIDS

• If you are sexually active, make sure that you and your partner get HIV tests done at least six months.
• Use barrier methods when engaging in sexual activities. This is the only means of preventing the spread of the virus during intercourse.
• Practice safe sex.

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Hepatitis B

• The primary and important thing to do is prevention by the vaccine.
• The WHO suggests that all babies receive the vaccine for hepatitis B soon after their birth or at least within 24 hours of their birth.
• All adults who haven’t been vaccinated need to take it.
• Family members and close companions of an infected person should undergo tests to eliminate the risk.
• Wear plastic or rubber gloves if you have to touch blood.
• Make sure new needles are used for ear piercing, tattoos and acupuncture.

Dos for a hepatitis B person:

• Cover up all open cuts, sores, and wounds with a bandage to prevent others from coming in contact with your body fluids.
• Used Band-Aids, sanitary napkins, and other personal hygiene products have to be discarded safely to prevent exposure of blood to others.
• Any spillage of blood has to be cleaned thoroughly, preferably cleaned again with a bleach solution.
• Inform your sex partner about your infection. Partner has to be tested for possible infection of the virus.
• Use condoms during sex (if your partner is not infected).
• Inform your doctors about your condition.
• Go for check-up regularly to rule out liver abnormalities, including screening for cancer.
• If you are pregnant, inform your doctor that you are hepatitis B positive. It is very important that the baby is given shots soon after birth.

Dont's With Usage Of FORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

• Avoid unprotected sex.
• Intravenous drug abuse.
• Don’t share needles.
• The HIV-infected mother should not breastfeed.
• Don’t be shy of going to a doctor and discussing your disease.
• Do not have sex with multiple partners.    

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage AIDS

• Do not smoke, as this weakens your immune system.
• Avoid alcohol or use with moderation.
• Don't engage in unsafe sexual practices.
• Don't engage illicit drug use, particularly in the sharing of needles.

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Hepatitis B

If you are infected with hepatitis B, you should see that you do not spread the infection in any way to others. Some points to remember are:

• Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, chewing gum or anything which has a possibility of coming into contact with your blood or body secretions.
• Do not get a tattoo done if you are not sure whether the needles used are being sterilised.
• Do not share syringes and needles.
• See that the same immunization needle is not being used for the second time.
• Do not donate blood, plasma, sperm, egg, body tissue or body organs.

Other Useful Tips With Usage OfFORSTAVIR 200 MG300 MG600 MG TABLET

What Are The Tips For Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV - AIDS

• HIV infected patients must avoid exposure to infections.
• Keep everything clean to avoid infection.
• Wash your hands with soap every time before/ after preparing food and eating food.    

What Are The Tips For AIDS

Although HIV is no longer a death sentence, prevention is always better than cure. HIV has a high mortality rate. Use caution and safe practices to avoid exposure to possible HIV.

What Are The Tips For Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B can be easily prevented by simple vaccination. Nevertheless, if you have acquired it, following the prescribed treatment, eating the right food, doing mild exercises and staying positive by yoga and meditation will help you in quick recovery.
• Some people suffer from itching during this infection. If you have itching, avoid going out in the sun, wear cool cotton clothes and apply some over the counter ointment for relief.