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

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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