Emtricitabine-tenofovir is a drug to help treat and prevent HIV infection.The use of emtricitabine-tenofovir should be accompanied by other HIV drugs, to maximize their effectiveness. This drug can only be obtained and used with a doctor's prescription.
Emtricitabine-tenofovir is a combination of two types of drugs, namely emtricitabine and tenofovir. Please note, this drug can not cure HIV, but is used to help reduce the amount of HIV virus in the blood. That way, the immune system can work better and the risk of developing HIV complications can decrease.
In addition, the combination of these two drugs can also be used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or prevention for people who are at high risk of contracting HIV.
Although it can be used as a PrEP drug, emtricitabine-tenofovir does not always prevent HIV infection. Therefore, the use of this drug must still be accompanied by prevention of other HIV infections, such as safe sex behavior, use of condoms during sexual intercourse, or not sharing needles.
TrademarkEmtricitabine-Tenofovir: Truvada
What's thatEmtricitabine Tenofovir?
| group | Anti Virus |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treating and preventing HIV infection |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Emtricitabine-tenofovir for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Studies in animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Emtricitabine-tenofovir may be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, it should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Emtricitabine-Tenofovir:
- Do not use emtricitabine-tenofovir if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use emtricitabine-tenofovir if you are taking other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis, liver disease (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis), kidney disease, osteoporosis, or alcoholism.
- Emtricitabine-tenofovir is only used as a prophylactic (PrEP) in adults who are at high risk of HIV infection but who are confirmed negative.
- This medicine may cause hepatitis B to recur or worsen. If you have a history of hepatitis B, routine liver function tests should be performed while taking emtricitabine-tenofovir.
- Emtricitabine-tenofovir can cause an increase in lactic acid in the blood. Immediately see a doctor if you experience symptoms of muscle pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or the body is easily tired.
- Tell your doctor before having surgery if you are taking emtricitabine-tenofovir.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. This medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
- Call your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after you take this medicine.
Dosage and Instructions for UseEmtricitabine Tenofovir
The following doses of emtricitabine-tenofovir to treat and prevent HIV infection are divided according to their intended use:
Treating HIV infection
- Adults and children weighing 35 kg: 200–300 mg per day, in combination with other antiviral drugs to treat HIV
- Children weighing 17 kg to <35 kg: 100–250 mg per day, in combination with other antiviral drugs to treat HIV
Prevent HIV infection
- Adults and children weighing 35 kg: 200–300 mg per day, accompanied by safe sex practices. The time and duration of using the drug must follow the doctor's recommendations
For patients who have difficulty swallowing, the tablet can be crushed first and taken with a glass of water.
How to Take Emtricitabine-Tenofovir Correctly
Emtricitabine-tenofovir is only given by a doctor. Be sure to follow the instructions and directions for use recommended by the doctor, and read the instructions on the drug packaging before taking emtricitabine-tenofovir.
It is important to take emtricitabine-tenofovir at the dose recommended by your doctor. Try to take it at the same time every day so you don't miss or forget a dose.
Do not change the dose or stop taking the drug without first consulting a doctor because it can cause the amount of virus in the body to increase and the disease to be more difficult to treat.
Store emtricitabine-tenofovir at room temperature and away from heat and moisture. Always close the medicine package tightly after use and keep it out of reach of children.
InteractionEmtricitabine-Tenofovir with Other Drugs
The following interactions may occur when taking emtricitabine-tenofovir along with other drugs:
- Increased risk of kidney problems, if taken with drugs that can cause kidney damage, such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, ganciclovir, or vancomycin
- Increases the risk of lactic acidosis, if taken with alpha interferon
- Increases risk of pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy when used with didanisone
Side Effects and DangersEmtricitabine Tenofovir
Emtricitabine-tenofovir can cause a number of side effects. Immediately see a doctor if side effects appear in the form of:
- Loss of appetite
- Body tired easily
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Hard to breathe
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Hard to sleep
- Nightmare
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- Muscle and bone pain
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Difficulty or pain when urinating
- Dark urine
- Swelling in the face and legs
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Heart rhythm disturbances
See a doctor immediately if you experience the above side effects or if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, such as an itchy rash, swelling of the face and lips, and difficulty breathing.
