Does Efavirenz (EFV) increase the Bdq serum level by 52%?

Efavirenz (EFV) is an antiretroviral medication primarily used to treat HIV, and its pharmacokinetics can significantly influence the serum levels of other drugs in a patient's regimen. In the context of bedaquiline (Bdq), which is an antibiotic used for drug-resistant tuberculosis, studies have shown that EFV does not increase Bdq serum levels by 52%. In fact, Efavirenz can lead to a decrease in the serum concentration of bedaquiline due to its effects on liver enzymes that metabolize these drugs.

The interaction between these two medications is critical for clinicians to consider when treating patients with co-infections of HIV and tuberculosis. Understanding this pharmacokinetic relationship ensures that healthcare providers make informed decisions about medication dosing and efficacy, preventing potential treatment failures due to suboptimal drug levels. Thus, stating that EFV increases the Bdq serum level by 52% is inaccurate, leading to the right answer being that this statement is false.