Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (PrEP)

What is Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (PrEP)?

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is a generic version of Truvada, a medicine that is commonly used in the prophylaxis and prevention of HIV infections. Commonly referred to as PrEP which is slang for pre-exposure prophylaxis.

This product is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body to allow your immune system to work better. This medication lowers the chance of getting HIV complications and improves your quality of life.

This product is a combination of two different drugs: emtricitabine and tenofovir. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, while tenofovir is a nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitor. Both drugs are called NRTIs.

This product should not be used by itself in controlling HIV infection. Doing so will render your treatment less effective. It should be used in combination with at least one other HIV medication.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV infection and it will not always prevent HIV infection.

How does Emtricitabine/Tenofovir work?

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir works by reducing your chance of contracting the virus if taken daily and in conjunction with safe sex methods as condoms. This medicine also reduces the risk of contracting HIV from other sources such as the use of needles.

What are the benefits of using Emtricitabine/Tenofovir?

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is useful in reducing your chance of contracting the HIV virus if you take the medication daily and in conjunction with safe sex methods such as the use of condoms. It is also beneficial in reducing the risk of contracting HIV infections from other sources such as the use of needles.

How do I use Emtricitabine/Tenofovir?

Read the medication guide that comes with the product package before you start using this medication. If you have questions, ask your doctor.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without a meal. The dosage of this medication is based on your kidney function, medical condition, and your response to the treatment. For children, the dosage is based on weight.

When used to treat HIV infection, this product is taken with other medicines that treat HIV. If you are taking didanosine enteric-coated tablets, take both products either or an empty stomach or with a light meal. If you are taking the didanosine buffered tablets, take both drug products on an empty stomach.

It is important that you keep on taking this medication and other HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir dosage

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. The usual dose of the medication is once daily.

The dosage of this medication is based on your kidney function, medical condition, and your response to the treatment. For children, the dosage is based on weight.

Side effects & precautions

The common side effects of this medication include diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, back pain, trouble sleeping, or change in the colour of the skin on your palms or soles of your feet. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, immediately notify your doctor.  

Your doctor has prescribed this medication because he deemed that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many individuals who use this medication did not experience the side effects.

As your immune system gets stronger, this medication can begin to fight off infection you already have, possibly causing the symptoms of the disease to come back. You could have the symptoms if your immune system becomes overactive. This reaction may happen at any time after starting HIV treatment or many months later.

Get medical help immediately if you have any serious symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, muscle ache or weakness, severe tiredness, headaches that are severe or won’t go away, numbness or tingling of the hands/arms/legs, joint pain, signs of infections, cough, trouble breathing, signs of an overactive thyroid, and signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Immediately tell your doctor if you have any serious side effects such as mental or mood changes, or signs of kidney problems.

In rare occasions, this medication may cause severe liver and blood problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver problems.

Tenofovir may increase your risk of bone loss. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of treatment as well as the use of calcium and vitamin D to reduce this side effect. If you are at a risk for bone loss, your doctor may start monitoring your bone mineral density.  Immediately tell your doctor if you have bone pain, or easily broken bones.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is rare. However, seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching or swelling of the face/tongue/throat, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to either emtricitabine or tenofovir, or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Tell your doctor about your medical history before you start taking this medication.

This medication may cause you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana use can make you dizzier. Do not drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you are sure that you can do so safely. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. Inform your doctor if you are using marijuana.

Tell your doctor the products you are using before you undergo any surgical procedure.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Treatment can lower the risk of passing the HIV infection to the baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy.

This medication passes into breast milk. The use of this medication is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or may increase the risk of side effects. Share with your doctor a list of all medical products you are using before you start taking this medication. Ask your doctor if any of your current medications will interact with this product.

Check the labels on all your HIV infection medications as they may contain the same or similar ingredients as those found in this product. Do not take medications that contain the same or similar ingredients as this product.

How do I buy Emtricitabine/Tenofovir online?

You can safely buy Emtricitabine/Tenofovir online at UK Meds. You will need first to have an online consultation with a medical doctor before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is the right medication for your medical condition.

More Information

• Dr Christians words, How PrEP protects against HIV