Emtricitabine/tenofovir (By mouth)

Introduction

Emtricitabine (em-trye-SYE-ta-been), Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (te-NOE-fo-veer dye-soe-PROX-il FOO-ma-rate)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s)

Truvada

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to emtricitabine or tenofovir.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• The usual dose of this medicine is one tablet daily. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• This medicine is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep your medicine bottle tightly closed.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other medicines that you should not use together with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Your doctor should know if you are also using atazanavir (Reyataz®), didanosine (Videx®), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®), Valtrex®, Vistide®, or Zovirax®. Tell your doctor if you are using any medicine that contains lamivudine, such as Combivir®, Epivir®, Epzicom®, or Trizivir®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease (especially hepatitis), or bone problems such as osteomalacia, osteopenia, or osteoporosis.
• This medicine is not for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Your doctor may also want to check you for several months after you stop using this medicine.
• You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or nausea and vomiting.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in skin color on your hands or feet.
• Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
• Headache, depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.
• Mild skin rash.
• Weight loss.