Drug Interaction Report

Efavirenz may reduce the blood levels and effects of bexarotene. Contact your doctor if your condition changes during treatment with these medications. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. In addition, each of these medications can affect the liver, and taking them together may increase the risk of liver damage. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Taking efavirenz with food increases the amount of medicine in your body, which may increase the frequency of side effects. You should take efavirenz once a day on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime may make some side effects such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams less bothersome. However, these symptoms may be more severe if efavirenz is used with alcohol or mood-altering (street) drugs. You should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food helps with the absorption of bexarotene from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood stream. You should take each dose the same time everyday with a meal. Avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment, since doing so may increase the blood levels of bexarotene. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your medication. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.