Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil
About
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV infection. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in decreasing the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related illness such as cancer or serious infections. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil also helps in reducing the risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used as a daily treatment along with practising safe sex.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination of two drugs, namely: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection.
You are advised to take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause certain common side-effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and rash. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Practise safe sex and take necessary precautions, as Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not prevent the spread of HIV infection. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for children below 12 years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side-effects/interactions.
Uses of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil
Medicinal Benefits
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV infection. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in decreasing the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination of two drugs, namely: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection. Taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil along with practising safe sex and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of getting or transmitting the HIV virus to others.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have a history of hepatitis B infection, kidney or liver problems or if you are older than 65 years. Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Practise safe sex and take other necessary precautions as Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not prevent the spread of HIV infection. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for children below 12 years. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil may interact with anti-HIV (ritonavir, darunavir), anti-fungal (amphotericin B), anti-viral (foscarnet, ganciclovir, cidofovir), antimicrobial (pentamidine), antibiotic (vancomycin), anti-cancer (interleukin-2).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether alcohol interacts with Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil as it may pass into breastmilk.
Driving
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause dizziness. So, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for children below 12years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
- Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with family or do whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- Get HIV test done for at least every 3 months.
- Regular kidney and liver function tests, bone mineral density test while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil is advised.
- Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil might affect laboratory test results, inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help in fighting infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. HIV spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil contains Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes which are necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Thereby, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in treating HIV infection.
Do not stop taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil without consulting your doctor as it may reduce the effectiveness of anti-HIV therapy. Continue taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil might cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but a severe side effect, especially in women who are obese and people with liver disease. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, and deep rapid breathing while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil does not cure HIV infection. However, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil helps in decreasing the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil can be taken by HIV-negative patients to lower the chance of getting HIV infection if prescribed by the doctor. Before starting the treatment, you should have a negative HIV test. Whilst taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil regular HIV tests for at least every 3 months is advised.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil may cause bone problems such as soft bones, thin bones, and bone pain. Regular bone density test is advised while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil. For good bone health, take calcium and vitamin D supplements as advised by the doctor.
