Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.  

This is Atripla. It helps treat HIV-1 infection and keep it under control. 

You should take Atripla exactly as your doctor tells you to. You should take it on an empty stomach. It is important to not miss any doses. If you do, the virus could increase and become harder to treat.

Common side effects include a headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and weird dreams. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away after a few weeks. Most people like to take this medicine at bedtime to reduce these effects. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. Rashes are common, but they can be serious. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, more serious side effects could occur. You should read the patient information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. If you have hepatitis B infection, it can get worse if you stop taking this medicine. Do not stop taking Atripla unless your doctor says it's okay. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely.

Atripla can have serious interactions with other medicines. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, herbal supplements or vitamins. Also, check before drinking alcohol.

Atripla is not safe for unborn babies. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control to use and for how long. Women should not breastfeed.

For best results with Atripla, always plan ahead for refills.