What is Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?
Emtricitabine and tenofovir are antiviral drugs that stop the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body.Emtricitabine and tenofovir are combination medications used for treating HIV, a virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS). Emtricitabine and tenofovir are not effective cures for HIV or AIDS; however, they are treatment options to treat HIV in both children and adults who are at least 12 years old and weigh a minimum of 17 kilograms (37 pounds).Emtricitabine as well as tenofovir can be utilized in children weighing between 55 and 75 pounds (25 and 35 kg) and who also take other HIV medicines.Truvada PrEP is a combination of safer sexual practices to lower the chance of contracting with HIV. You must be HIV-free and a mature adult to take Truvada PrEP for this purpose.Emtricitabine and tenofovir can also be used to treat conditions not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.Mild signs of lactic acidosis can get worse as time passes and the condition may be fatal. Contact a medical professional immediately in the event of uncharacteristic muscles. pain or breathing problems stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, nausea, or experiencing a cold or being extremely fatigued or weak.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir can trigger severe adverse reactions.Reach out to a healthcare provider immediately if:
- Signs of new HIV symptoms of a new HIV infection include night sweats, fever, fatigued muscles or joint discomfort, a sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting glands that are swollen within your neck, groin, or chest area.
- Unusual or sudden bone pain;
- Kidney issues: little or no urine output, swelling of your ankles and feet, being fatigued or short of breath,
- Liver issues: nausea, swelling around your midsection area, lower stomach pain, and a loss of appetite. Dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alter the immune system, which could cause some adverse reactions (even weeks or even months after taking this drug). Consult your physician if you suffer from:
- Indications of a new infection: fever, sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, weight loss, diarrhea
- Difficulties swallowing or speaking; difficulties with balance; weak or prickly sensation; trouble swallowing; balance or eye movement problems;
- Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid) menstrual fluctuations, impotence
Common adverse effects of emtricitabine as well as tenofovir can be:
- Headache, dizziness, headache, feeling fatigued or depressed;
- Trouble sleeping, strange dreams;
- Nausea, stomach pain;
- Weight loss;
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Lamivudine, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir
Warnings
Do not use this medicine in combination when you are also taking other medications that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir.Truvada PrEP can lower the chance of becoming infected by HIV for adults who are not HIV positive. Tenofovir and emtricitabine alone do not shield your body from the infection of HIV. It is also recommended to use safer sexual practices and be tested to detect HIV at least once every 3 months.
There is a chance that you will suffer from a condition known as lactic acidosis. It is a serious buildup of lactic acid in your blood. Consult your doctor or seek urgent medical attention when you experience strange muscle pains, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach pain, feeling cold, or feeling fatigued or weak.If you've ever suffered from the virus known as hepatitis B, it could become active or worsen when you stop taking the drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine. You could require regular tests of your liver's function for many months.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to take this medicine if you are allergic to emtricitabine and tenofovir. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking other medications that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or adefovir (such as Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Dutrebis, Emtriva, Epivir, Epzicom, Genvoya, Hepsera, Odefsey, Stribild, Triumeq, Trizivir, or Viread).If you decide to take Truvada PrEP to lower your chance of contracting HIV infection, you must pass a negative HIV test within a few hours prior to taking the drug.Do not use Truvada PrEP to lower the risk of infection. If you're HIV-positive, if you were exposed to HIV in the last month, or if you had any of the symptoms (such as fever and night sweats, a sore throat or swollen glands, or body pains),
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Liver disorder (you could be examined for hepatitis-B before you take this medicine);
- Osteopenia (low bone mineral density);
- Kidney disease.
It is possible to suffer from a condition known as lactic acidosis. It's an extremely dangerous accumulation of lactic acid in your blood. This is likely if you suffer from other medical issues, if you've used HIV medication for a prolonged period of time, or if you are female. Consult your physician about the chances of being at risk.Speak to your physician if you are pregnant, and make sure you use the correct medications to manage your infection. HIV could be transmitted to your child if the virus is not managed during pregnancy. Your name might be recorded on a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medication on the infant.Women suffering from HIV or AIDS shouldn't give birth to a baby. Even if your child is born with no HIV, it is possible that the virus will be transmitted to your baby by the milk you give them.A child who is receiving this medication must weigh at least 37 lbs.
How to take Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.You can take emtricitabine as well as Tenofovir either with or without food.Make sure to take all HIV medication as directed, and carefully read the drug guides you are given. Don't alter your dosage or schedule of dosing without consulting your physician. Anyone suffering from HIV must be under the supervision of a physician.You'll need regular medical tests to determine the function of your liver, kidneys, and bones mineral content.Truvada PrEP is not enough to safeguard you from the spread of HIV. You should also adopt safer methods of sexual contact and test for HIV at least once every three months.Keep the container in its original container in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture. The bottle should be kept tightly shut when not being used.If you've had any experience with hepatitis B, it is possible that the virus will be active or worsen during the time following your stopping taking tenofovir and emtricitabine. It is possible that you will require frequent tests for liver function while using this medication, as well as for a period of time following the last dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the dose you missed immediately when you remember. The missed dose can increase the likelihood of the virus becoming resistant to antiviral medication. Be sure to not take a dose that you aren't supposed to.Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Tenofovir and emtricitabine will make it impossible to stop the disease from spreading. Make sure you are protected during sex, or share toothbrushes or razors. Consult your doctor about ways to protect yourself from HIV transmission through sex. Sharing needles with medicine or drugs is not safe, even for a healthy individual.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medicines simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of the other medications that you take, which can cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.Emtricitabine and Tenofovir may affect your kidneys, particularly in conjunction with treatments for cancer, infections, osteoporosis, rejection of organ transplants, bowel diseases, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).Other drugs can interact with tenofovir and emtricitabine, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
