HomeHealth articlestenofovirWhat Are Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Used For?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir - Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

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Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are medications that are used in HIV treatment. Read more about these two drugs below.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Qureshi, Danish Shaikh

Published At August 23, 2022
Reviewed AtAugust 23, 2022

Overview:

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination, commercially available as TRUVADA, is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor in the treatment of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and to lower the chances of contracting the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in patients with high risk. This combination of antiviral drugs was formulated by the biotechnology company Gilead Sciences. Both these drugs have inhibitory action against HIV.

These drugs should always be taken along with other antiviral drugs and never taken alone in patients infected with HIV, and if taken alone, they cause adverse effects. Even when taken along with the other antiviral medication, these drugs cannot cure AIDS infection as a whole but slow down the progression of the disease and play a role in minimizing the possibility of contracting HIV when other precautions are followed. The U.S Food and Drugs Administration approved this drug combination in the year 2004 for the treatment of HIV and, on July 16, 2012, approved it as a prevention drug for HIV. Truvada is the first approved drug for HIV prevention in patients at a higher risk of acquiring HIV by having sexual activity with an HIV-infected person.

How Does the Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination Work?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir suppress the adverse effects caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients who are infected and are HIV-positive and prevent the incidence of the infection in the unaffected persons. This combination blocks an enzyme called the reverse transcriptase used by the virus to multiply inside the body, thereby preventing the replication of HIV.

Uses:

  1. To treat patients affected by HIV. It is always used in combination with any other antiviral drugs.
  2. It is also used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV in patients who do not have HIV to prevent HIV infection.

Dosage:

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination should be taken per the physician’s advice and should never be taken without getting a prescription.

This tablet is available in four different dosages;

  • 100 mg of Emtricitabine and 150 mg of Tenofovir.
  • 133 mg of Emtricitabine and 200 mg of Tenofovir.
  • 167 mg of Emtricitabine and 250 mg of Tenofovir.
  • Emtricitabine 200 mg and Tenofovir 300 mg is the widely used combination.

Warning:

1) Infections: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir might show certain symptoms and signs of infections such as fever, shivering, cough, sore throat, pain while passing urine, etc., in such cases, the symptoms should be brought to the doctor’s notice.

2) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergy or hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in some cases for this drug combination. Symptoms like swollen face, lips, or tongue, along with itching, have been reported. In such cases, medical help should be sought.

3) Kidney Problems: If symptoms such as pain or difficulty while urinating, changes in the color or amount of urine might indicate a reaction associated with the kidney, in such cases, medical intervention is required.

4) Liver Problems: Symptoms associated with the stools and urine, such as dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, pain in the upper belly, yellowish discoloration of the skin and nails, etc., might indicate a liver abnormality due to this combination which needs medical attention as well. Hepatomegaly (liver enlargement) has also been reported in some cases.

5) Medications: When taking this combination of drugs, make sure that any other medication containing these drugs (Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, Lamivudine) is not taken as there will be drug overdose or interactions and side effects.

6) Lactic Acidosis: This combination has a side effect of building up lactic acid in the blood, called lactic acidosis which might present as breathing difficulty, weakness, feeling dizzy, muscle pain, stomach pain, etc.

7) Hepatitis B: This drug should not be stopped abruptly without a doctor’s advice in patients who have had hepatitis B infection previously, as it can trigger hepatitis B to become active and worsen over time. Thus, it should be kept in check constantly through tests.

8) HIV Status: If used as a PrEP drug, make sure to confirm that the patient is HIV negative before prescribing and starting the medication, as it can make the patient resistant to the drug in case the patient is positive.

9) Bone Density: A decrease in bone mineral density has been noted in a few patients after taking this combination of drugs as a treatment or as prophylaxis.

For Patients:

What Do You Need to Know About AIDS?

AIDS is a chronic infection that reduces a person’s ability to fight infection by compromising the immune system. HIV-infected individuals initially show symptoms that can occur in any other medical conditions such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue, and later remains asymptomatic for a while until severe symptoms manifest. It is a life-threatening condition with no cure as of now, but the symptoms can be managed, and the disease progression can be slowed down to an extent.

What Are the Causes of Aids and How Does It Spread?

AIDS is caused by a virus called the HIV which can spread from one person to another by,

  • Sexual intercourse with a person infected by AIDS.
  • Having unprotected sex.
  • Sharing syringes or needles for drug abuse or other purposes.
  • Blood donation without being aware of the HIV infection.
  • Coming in contact with the infected person's blood through cut wounds.

HIV transmits through blood, semen, and vaginal secretions and does not spread through saliva.

What Happens in AIDS?

AIDS is life-threatening as it compromises the immunity of a person and makes them susceptible to other infections. HIV attacks the immune system by attaching to a type of WBC (white blood cells) called the CD4 T cells, destroys it, and multiplies and keeps targeting the other cells henceforth. When the count of the immune cells is too low, the infected person becomes susceptible to any other infection easily as the defense system of the body is completely compromised.

Learn More About Emitribinacine and Tenofovir

Before Starting Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination:

When and Why to Take Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination?

This combination is taken strictly after getting prescribed by a physician and undergoing an HIV test. Making sure if the person is positive or negative for HIV comes a long way in deciding the usage of this drug either as a prophylaxis or treatment. This drug combination is used in treating patients affected by HIV in combination with any other antiviral drugs. It is also used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV; in patients who are HIV negative yet want to prevent themselves from contracting HIV infection.

How Effective Is Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination Against AIDS?

These drugs block the pathways of entry for the virus into the immune system of the body. When this combination is taken on an everyday basis, it is noticed that these drugs can effectively stop the virus from making its entry into the system (in HIV-negative individuals) and slow down the spread into the body (in HIV-positive individuals). According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these drugs minimize the risk of getting HIV by 99 % when combined with safe sexual practices by using contraceptives such as condoms. As far as the treatment with this combination, these drugs, when used with other retroviral drugs, can effectively slow down the disease's progression but cannot cure the disease as a whole.

This drug combination decreases the levels of HIV in the blood and increases the level of CD4 T, which makes the immune system strong and helps prevent opportunistic infections.

Things to Inform Your Doctor Before They Prescribe You Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination:

Inform your doctor about the following before the doctor prescribes you this combination of drugs;

  • Prior history of allergy or hypersensitivity reactions to any drugs.
  • Inform about the pregnancy status, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, planning to breastfeed, etc. These drugs were noticed to be extracted in breast milk.
  • If taking any medication as this drug has interactions with certain drugs, do not forget to mention even if a vitamin or a herbal supplement is taken. Also, mention if you are taking any other medications containing one of these drugs in them (that is, Emtricitabine or Tenofovir).
  • If you have taken any medications for AIDS previously and if that medication worked.
  • Habits such as alcohol and drugs, if any.
  • History of any other medical conditions like renal problems, liver disorders, bone-related disorders, or any other medical conditions.
  • Previous history of any infections like Hepatitis B.

Starting Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination:

How to Take Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination?

Prescription is a must before taking this drug combination. If prescribed, ask your doctor how to take the drug and what all should be considered before taking it.

  • It should be taken as prescribed, nothing more or less.
  • When taken as a treatment for HIV, the antiviral drugs prescribed with this combination of drugs should be taken as well.
  • When taken as a precaution drug, it should always be combined with contraceptive precautions such as the use of condoms during sexual intercourse.
  • This combination is available in tablet form and should be taken orally once a day every day at the same time.
  • This combination can be taken before or after food with water.
  • Always stock up the drug. Do not skip a dose of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination even a single day, as stopping the drug only for a short term can make the disease progress rapidly.
  • Do not stop the drug abruptly without contacting the physician about it. Stopping the drug can cause adverse effects as well.
  • If suffering any underlying medical conditions such as renal or liver-related problems, inform the physician about it so that they can alter the dosage.
  • If you missed a dose, make sure to take it when you remember on the same day. Do not take more than one tablet per day.
  • When suffering an allergic reaction or symptoms of overdose, seek medical help immediately.

Things to Do After You Start Taking Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination:

Once you start taking the Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination, look for the changes in symptoms.

  • In case of worsening of the symptoms or any adverse effects, inform your doctor so that they can look for what needs to be done.
  • Note down if the symptoms have gotten less severe, if there is any change in the symptoms, if so, not if only one particular symptom has improved or if there is a difference as a whole.
  • Keep track of the changes felt after taking the drug and inform the physician as it plays an important role in deciding if the medication is working and how well the response is.

Look Out for Side Effects:

In patients who have experienced symptoms or allergic reactions to any other drugs or one of these drugs, the drug dose will be altered or substituted by the physician accordingly. The possible side effects that can occur after taking the Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination are as given below. Make sure to notice and identify them and report them immediately to the health care provider.

The common side effects of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir when taken as a treatment include;

  • Drowsiness or feeling sleepy.

  • Nausea.

  • Vomiting.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Depression.

  • Sleeping trouble.

  • Rash or urticaria.

  • Headache.

  • Restlessness.

  • Weird dreams.

The symptoms that occur when taken as a PrEP include;

  • Weight loss.

  • Abdominal pain.

  • Headache.

These are the most common symptoms; any symptoms other than these can occur as well. When these symptoms occur and do not seem to subside, make sure to get medical help.

There are some other symptoms in the major organs of the body that need medical intervention, such as;

Kidney-Related Symptoms: Usually, patients with any kidney problem should inform priorly to the physician and get the dose altered accordingly. But if an underlying condition is missed, making this drug combination can worsen the kidney-related symptoms. In such cases, inform the physician immediately and get the required tests done.

Bone-Related Symptoms: These drugs can cause bone thinning, weakening along with pain which should be brought to the physician's notice immediately.

Fat Deposition: There has been fat deposition in the upper body, including the back of the neck, trunk, and breasts, noted in patients under these drugs. Also, some cases have shown loss of fat in the lower part of the body as well.

Immune System-Related Symptoms: As these drugs strengthen the immune system, there might be symptoms associated with the underlying dormant infections. Make sure to inform the physician.

Dietary Alterations:

As per reports, no dietary alteration is required if a healthy lifestyle is followed already. Make sure to continue the normal diet unless advised for a diet alteration. Also, ensure that the diet is loaded with the required nutrients that favor the immune system.

What Should Be Done When You Miss a Dose?

Missing even a single dose can become crucial for this drug as the disease progression can get rapid. If one dose is missed, make sure to take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is the next day and already close to the time for your next dose, do not take the tablet twice. The recommended dose is only one tablet per day so stick on to it. If more than one is taken, get your physician's opinion immediately.

What Should Be Done to Treat Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Overdose?

Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for overdose of this drug. The overdose of these drugs can cause the buildup of lactic acid in the blood and severe kidney and liver problems. Inform the physician and call for an ambulance immediately. Make sure to monitor the symptoms and breathing as long as the ambulance arrives.

How to Store the Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination Tablet?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir should be stored at an ideal temperature between 20 ℃ to 25 ℃. Do not shift the tablets from their originally sold containers to others. Do not leave the tablet’s bottle open. Keep it tightly closed. The tablet should be taken out only before consuming it. Make sure to keep the bottle away from the reach of kids. Check for already opened or expired drugs before buying; if damaged or expired, do not purchase them.

Avoid Self-Medication:

As already mentioned, this combination should only be taken after getting a prescription. Having this combination of drugs without a prescription could be harmful in multiple ways. This medication should not be taken as per any other patient’s advice or using another person’s prescription as a drug. This combination does not work the same for everybody as the dosage is decided to depend upon the patient’s condition and underlying medical conditions. When used as a treatment for AIDS, make sure to take the prescribed antiviral drugs along with this combination.

Staying On Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination:

Tips to Stay On Track:

  • Take this combination drug regularly and do not stop the drug abruptly without contacting the physician about it. Stopping the drug can cause adverse effects as well.
  • Lowering the dose or splitting the tablet in half and taking it is not advisable.
  • The improvement in symptoms varies with the person as there are wide variations in the occurring symptoms as well.
  • Results show up quickly in some whereas, in some cases take some more time.
  • Also, do not expect these drugs to cure HIV; they can only slow down the disease and minimize symptoms. Do not get disappointed when such expectations are not satisfied.

For Doctors:

Indication:

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination is indicated in patients suffering AIDS as a treatment and as a precautionary drug in patients who are not positive for HIV infection yet fear getting infected with HIV.

Pharmacology:

Mechanism of Action:

Emtricitabine is a cytidine nucleoside analog, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil, which is adenosine's nucleoside monophosphate analog, is converted to tenofovir when it enters the body. Both these drugs have their activity targeted to the HIV that is present in an infected person. The cellular enzymes that are present in the body phosphorylate Emtricitabine and Tenofovir fully, thereby forming emtricitabine triphosphate and tenofovir diphosphate, respectively. They then cause inhibition of the HIV reverse transcriptase, which causes the DNA chain to terminate. This combination also showed a synergistic antiviral effect.

Pharmacodynamics:

These drugs work against HIV by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme. However, no other data has been provided associated with the pharmacodynamics of this drug combination.

Active Ingredients:

The active ingredients present in TRUVADA are Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Inactive Ingredients:

The inactive ingredients present in TRUVADA are;

  • Croscarmellose sodium.
  • Lactose monohydrate.
  • Magnesium stearate.
  • Microcrystalline cellulose.
  • Gluten-free pregelatinized starch.

Absorption:

The absorption of Emtricitabine was found to be rapid in mice and rats, with an oral bioavailability of 58 % to 97 %. At the same time, the bioavailability of Tenofovir was found to be around 20 % to 46 %.

Distribution:

Both Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are found to be widely distributed. They cross the placenta but do not cause any effects on the fetus. They were excreted in breast milk. Regarding protein binding, there was only a negligible protein binding observed.

Metabolism:

There was only a limited metabolism of Emtricitabine, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was found to be actively converted to Tenofovir when it entered the body.

Elimination:

Tenofovir was excreted unchanged in the urine. Whereas Emricitabine, though said to be excreted unchanged in the urine, data suggests its excretion from kidneys by active tubular secretion.

Toxicity:

Single doses of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir have shown no known toxicity in animal studies. At the same time, overdose has shown various toxic effects in organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, bone, and the renal tubular epithelium. Emtricitabine did not cause any genotoxicity, embryotoxic or teratogenic effects, carcinogenicity, or effects on fertility when tested in mice, whereas Tenofovir showed a very rare incidence of carcinogenic effects in the duodenum of mice and was positive for causing forward mutations.

Warning and Precaution:

  • Prior history of allergy or hypersensitivity reactions to any drugs should be mentioned before getting the prescription.
  • Inform about the pregnancy status, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, planning to breastfeed, etc.
  • Habits such as alcohol and drugs, if any, should be mentioned.
  • History of any other medical conditions like renal problems, liver disorders, bone-related disorders, or any other medical conditions as worsening of the conditions is anticipated.
  • Previous history of any infections like Hepatitis B as it can be reactivated or worsened by this medication.
  • This combination has a side effect of building up lactic acid in the blood, called lactic acidosis.

Dosage and Forms:

  • Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are combination drugs that are formulated together and orally administered.
  • It is available in tablet form.
  • The average dose is Emtricitabine 200 mg and Tenofovir 300 mg combination. Follow the customized prescription. Do not share prescriptions with others.
  • It is available in blue-colored, film-coated, oblong-shaped tablets.
  • The tablet is engraved with GILEAD on one side, whereas the other side has 701 engraved on it.

Administration of the Drug:

  • Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination should be taken once daily following the instruction and dosage prescribed by the physician.
  • It can be taken either before or after food.
  • Take the tablet as a whole; do not chew or crush it into powder.
  • Swallow the tablet as a whole with water.
  • It should be taken at the same time every day.
  • Take the dose as prescribed; do not take more or less.

Considerations for Administration:

  • Look for the patient’s general health by performing blood tests.
  • Check the HIV status of the patient to see if the patient needs it as a treatment or as a preventive measure.
  • The body weight and age of the patient should be taken into consideration in children.

Contraindications:

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination is contraindicated in patients who have,

  • Hypersensitivity reactions to the drug.
  • Have renal, liver, or bone impairments.
  • It is also contraindicated in feeding mothers.
  • Children who are 12 years old and less with a bodyweight of fewer than 35 kgs should not be prescribed this combination drug.
  • It should not be administered as a prophylactic drug in patients whose HIV status is not identified or questionable.

Clinical Trials:

  • For the Use of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination as AIDS Medication: An open-label, randomized, multicenter, parallel clinical trial was conducted by the Gilead Sciences company for 48 weeks. It was a Phase IV trial to evaluate the safety and how effectively Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination works in treating HIV patients.

  • For Use of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination as a PrEP: A randomized, double-blind, and parallel study was conducted by using 2,499 HIV uninfected males as subjects in the phase III trial, which got the FDA approval for TRUVADA to be used as a prophylactic drug. The US National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored this clinical trial. While the primary outcome focused on analyzing and ruling out anti-HIV seroconversion, the secondary included finding the drug resistance in HIV-positive patients, mineral density of the bone, and STD (sexually transmitted diseases) prevalence. The primary outcome lasted for 36 months, while the secondary for 42 months. The results stated that there was a reduction of about 42 % in the risk of HIV by using this combination as a prophylaxis drug.

  • Another randomized, double-blind, parallel trial with 4,758 heterosexual couples sponsored by the University of Washington and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was conducted. It was a Phase III clinical trial. In the couples, one partner was HIV-positive while the other was HIV-negative. It evaluated the efficacy of TRUVADA as well as its safety while comparing it with a placebo. This trial showed that TRUVADA reduced the risk by 75 % in comparison to the placebo.

Other Specifications:

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination in Pregnant Women:

The use of this drug in pregnant women is still in the study. Although as per the reports gathered now from animal and human studies, no harm has been ruled out. Though there is not very appealing data on usage during pregnancy, this drug combination should be taken if there is a definite need for the medication in pregnant women. Also, in the case of a woman getting pregnant while a woman is taking this combination of drugs as a precaution, the necessity of the drug intake should be ruled out and decided based on the risk factors associated with taking the drug. The animal studies on the drugs separately showed no adverse effects as well.

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination in Lactating Women:

Breastfeeding the kid when the mother is HIV positive is not recommended as there is a potential risk of HIV transmission to the child. Also, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are excreted, so feeding while on these drugs is not advised as there might be risks associated.

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination in Pediatric Patients:

This drug combination should be administered only in children who are 12 years old or more and have a bodyweight of 35 kilograms and more. Children who do not fit this criterion should not be prescribed this combination drug.

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination in Geriatric Patients:

Though the clinical trial on the geriatric age group did not have enough subjects to study, considering the age factor of the patients, renal impairments, liver, heart, and all the other functions would be less effective. So the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Combination in Patients With Renal Impairment:

This drug combination is prohibited to be used in patients who suffer from serious renal failure or those undergoing dialysis and in patients with a creatinine clearance range of less than 30 ml/minute.

On using these drugs for PrEP, a creatinine clearance of more than 60 ml/minute is necessary for anyone with a lesser range than this will not be fit to take this drug combination.

Drug Interactions:

  • This combination is not safe to be administered in patients who are already under the following medications as there have been reported interactions with these drugs;Adefovir, Lamivudine, Didanosine (DDL), Atazanavir, Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Cidofovir, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, Saquinavir, Indinavir.
  • Also, make sure the patient is not taking any medications containing Emtricitabine and Tenofovir as a composition.
  • These are the most common drugs showing interaction but not all the drugs that could interact. A clear record of all the drugs, supplements, herbal drinks, etc., taken should be reported to the physician before getting this combination drug prescribed. Also, mention habits such as drug abuse, smoking, and alcohol, if any, as they could interact as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

When Is the Best Time to Take Tenofovir?

 
A person can take Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination at any time or as prescribed by the doctor. The medication should not be discontinued by a person abruptly without consulting the doctor. The drug must be taken once daily and simultaneously by the physician.

2.

Do Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Cause Liver Damage?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir do not have any significant side effects on the liver. However, a person with any underlying medical condition related to the liver must inform the doctor. In addition, people should not stop taking Emtricitabine and Tenofovir drugs without consulting a doctor, as they can cause severe adverse effects on a person's health.

3.

What Is the Significant Side Effect of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?

The significant side effects of the Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination are vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhea, depression, restlessness, and drowsiness. The medication can also cause hypersensitivity reactions, infections, bone-related symptoms, and kidney problems. Therefore, after taking Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination medicine, a person with these symptoms should consult the physician immediately.

4.

How Long Do Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Stay in Your Body?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir usually stay in the body for almost a week after stopping consumption. But, the drug should be consumed and discontinued only after the doctor’s advice. Therefore, a person should get a consultation from the doctor before starting and discontinuing the Emtricitabine and Tenofovir combination drug.

5.

Do Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Weaken the Immune System?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir strengthen the immune system of a person. However, the combination drug can affect the immune system only if any underlying dormant infections are present in the body. Therefore, before taking medicine, a person should inform the doctor if any such medical condition is current.

6.

Why Are Tenofovir and Emtricitabine Used Together?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are used in combination as they can suppress the action of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Also, the doctor does not prescribe these drugs alone because they can cause adverse health effects if taken alone. Emtricitabine and Tenofovir can block the reverse transcriptase enzyme in the body, which HIV uses to multiply inside the body, thus inhibiting virus activity.

7.

Can I Eat After Taking Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir drugs can be taken orally with water before or after meals. The combination medicine is taken once daily at a fixed time interval or as prescribed by the physician. However, these drugs can cause severe side effects in a person if stopped abruptly; therefore, consult the doctor for safety reasons.

8.

What Medicine Are Contraindicated With Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are contraindicated if a person is taking medications such as Adefovir, Lamivudine, Didanosine (DDL), Atazanavir, Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Cidofovir, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, Saquinavir, Indinavir. Also, a person should not consume any other medication with  Emtricitabine and Tenofovir as a composition. This is because all these drugs commonly interact with Emtricitabine and Tenofovir but do not necessarily produce effects.

9.

When Should I Stop Taking Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir should not be stopped abruptly without a physician’s advice, as they can cause adverse effects on a person. Moreover, skipping even a single dose of this combination drug can lead to the rapid progression of a disease. Therefore, if a person misses the dose they must take it on the same day but only one tablet per day.

10.

Do Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Cause Weight Gain?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir drugs do not cause significant weight gain in a person. However, the person using these drugs can have fat deposition in the breast, back of the neck, and trunk area. In some cases, the medications used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in an uninfected person can experience weight loss after consuming the combination medication.

11.

How Long Does It Take for Emtricitabine and Tenofovir to Start Working?

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir start working within the first four weeks of consuming the drug. The HIV viral load gets reduced within six months after drug intake. The doctor further decides upon the drug's further consumption as per the person's condition.

12.

What Involves Taking a Combination of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir?

The physician prescribes Emtricitabine and Tenofovir in combination with other antiviral drugs when a person gets tested positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The drug is also given to HIV-negative people as a prophylaxis treatment against the viral infection. In addition, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are prescribed as preventive medication to an HIV-negative person in combination with other contraceptive measures such as condoms.
Dr. Qureshi, Danish Shaikh
Dr. Qureshi, Danish Shaikh

General Practitioner

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