Emtricitabine-tenofovir (generic Truvada)

What is PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that reduces your risk of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). When taken daily, PrEP medications can reduce the risk of infection through sex by 99%. It is important to note that PrEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy. Therefore, condom use is still recommended.

What is emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada)?

Emtricitabine-tenofovir is a combination of two medications, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Individuals at high risk of contracting HIV can take this medication for PrEP to reduce the risk of becoming infected. 

How does emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) work?

Emtricitabine-tenofovir works by blocking the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from making more copies of itself in the body.

Who should take emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada)

Individuals at risk of becoming infected with HIV should take emtricitabine-tenofovir. It can only be prescribed to HIV-negative adults weighing at least 77 pounds. The groups most at risk for contracting HIV include gay or bisexual men, transgender women who have sex with men and injection drug users.

Who should avoid taking emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada)

Emtricitabine-tenofovir should not be taken for PrEP by individuals who already have HIV.  A negative HIV test is therefore required directly before starting PrEP. Emtricitabine-tenofovir should not be taken if you already take:

• Other medications that contain tenofovir or emtricitabine such as Atripla, Complera, Emtriva, Stribild, and Viread
• Medications that contain lamivudine such as Combivir, Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, and Trizivir
• Adefovir (Hepsera)

PrEP vs PEP

PrEP is provided to reduce your risk of contracting HIV before you are exposed. PEP reduces your risk of becoming infected after exposure. PEP is taken for 28 days after exposure, while PrEP should be taken indefinitely. PEP is only intended for emergency use.

Emtricitabine-tenofovir vs Truvada  

Emtricitabine-tenofovir is the generic version of Truvada. Both medications contain the same active ingredient but the generic version is less costly.
 

Active Ingredients  

The active ingredients in emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) are emtricitabine at a concentration of 200mg and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate at a concentration of 300mg.
 

Inactive Ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Truvada are croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch.
 

What dosage is emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) available in?  

Emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) is available in the following dosages: 100-150mg, 133-200mg, 167-250mg, and 200-300mg. 
 

What dosage of emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) should I take?  

The only dosage currently recommended for preventing HIV is 200-300mg. The other dosages are used to treat active HIV infection.

How to take emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada)  

Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) is usually taken once a day by mouth, with or without food, at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is the same day. Never take more than one dose in a single day. 

It is very important that you do not miss any doses of emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada). To ensure you receive your next refill in time, please be sure to order the medication ahead of time and account for any testing that may need to be completed. Testing must be completed independently prior to ordering PrEP from Medzino.
 

Emtricitabine-tenofovir (Truvada) Side Effects

Common side effects in people who take emtricitabine-tenofovir for PrEP include:

• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Weight loss

If any of these side effects persist or cause discomfort, talk to your physician.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• New or worsening kidney problems
• Bone pain, softening, or thickening
• Changes in body fat  
• Changes in your immune system