A patient starting therapy with efavirenz [Sustiva] asks about the timing of the medication with regard to meals. Which patient education about the administration of this medication should the nurse provide?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should advise the patient that the medication should be taken once daily on an empty stomach. Thirty minutes after a meal is too soon to take the medication. The medication is taken on an empty stomach, because high-fat meals increase plasma levels by 39% with capsules and by 79% with tablets. The medication must not be taken with high-fat meals.

A Patient Starting Therapy with Efavirenz [Sustiva] Asks About the Timing