Emtricitabine; Tenofovir tablets
What are Emtricitabine; Tenofovir tablets?
EMTRICITABINE; TENOFOVIR, PMPA (Truvada™) is a combination of 2 drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Emtricitabine is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Tenofovir is an antiviral drug called a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. This medicine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. This medicine is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. This medicine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic emtricitabine; tenofovir capsules are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive Emtricitabine; Tenofovir?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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if you have used the anti-HIV medicine lamivudine and developed resistance to it
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if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
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bone disease or osteoporosis
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kidney disease
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liver disease, including hepatitis B infection
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an unusual reaction to Emtricitabine; Tenofovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Take emtricitabine; tenofovir tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with Emtricitabine; Tenofovir?
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amphotericin B
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antiviral agents (such as acyclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir)
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cyclosporine
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didanosine, ddI
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hydroxyurea
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lopinavir
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probenecid
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tacrolimus
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Emtricitabine; Tenofovir?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Some people have worsening of hepatitis after stopping emtricitabine; tenofovir therapy.
Alcohol can increase the risk of developing side effects. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not treat yourself for nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Emtricitabine; tenofovir will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking this medicine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Emtricitabine; Tenofovir?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
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breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
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changes in body appearance (weight gain around waist and/or face)
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fast or irregular heartbeat
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passing out or fainting
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severe vomiting or diarrhea
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slow or irregular heartbeat
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symptoms of high blood sugar: dizziness, dry mouth, flushed dry-skin, fruit-like breath odor, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach ache, unusual thirst, frequent passing of urine.
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unusual stomach pain or discomfort
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unusual muscle aches, pains, or weakness
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unusual weakness, fatigue or discomfort
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yellow eyes or skin or other signs of hepatitis
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.