Type of medicine: antiretroviral (anti-HIV)
Generic and brand names: emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, oral; Truvada
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat HIV infection. It will not cure HIV or AIDS but may slow the progression of the disease. It is used with other antiretroviral medicines.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you also take adefovir (Hepsera). You should not take this medicine if you also take Hepsera to treat hepatitis B.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Your symptoms may get worse if you stop taking this medicine too soon.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose (the next day). Do not double the dose the next day. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You may need urine and blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. You may also need bone scans or X-rays to see if the medicine is affecting your bones. Keep all appointments for tests.
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication that can occur with use of this medicine. This condition is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This happens more often in people with kidney problems. Most people with kidney problems should not take this medicine. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are:
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects of this medicine. Do not drink alcohol without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Continue to practice safe sex and do not share needles.
Your body fat may change. Your legs and arms may be thin but your chest, belly, back and face may have more fat. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Decreased urination, pain when urinating, dark urine, yellowing of your eyes or skin, unexplained fever, unusual muscle pain or weakness, fainting; severe stomach or back pain; tingling or numbness.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, loss of appetite, changes in body fat, headache, mild rash, dizziness, trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, muscle or joint pain, runny nose, freckles.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
