Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
About
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV infection. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate helps decrease the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related illnesses. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate also helps reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used as a daily treatment and practising safe sex.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a combination of two drugs: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for virus reproduction. Together, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate helps in treating HIV infection.
Take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate as prescribed. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Sometimes, you may experience 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 Fumarate 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 Fumarate. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is not recommended for children below 12 years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to prevent side effects/interactions.
Uses of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Medicinal Benefits
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV infection. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate helps in decreasing the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related illnesses. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a combination of two drugs: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, whereas Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 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 Fumarate helps in treating HIV infection. Taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 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 Fumarate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 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; if you are older than 65years. Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. Practise safe sex and take other necessary precautions as Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 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 Fumarate. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is not recommended for children below 12years. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may have interaction with anti-HIV (e.g. ritonavir, darunavir), anti-fungal (e.g. amphotericin B), anti-viral (e.g. foscarnet, ganciclovir, cidofovir), antimicrobial (e.g. pentamidine), antibiotic (e.g. vancomycin), anti-cancer (e.g. interleukin-2).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may have interactions with kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate as it may pass into breastmilk.
Driving
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 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 Fumarate 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 Fumarate if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 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 injections or drug equipment.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, as they can make you prone to HIV infection.
- 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 doing whatever makes you happy.
Special Advise
- Get an HIV test done for at least every 3months.
- Normal kidney and liver function tests and bone mineral density test while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is advised.
- Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate might affect laboratory test results. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.
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. However, it can be controlled by treating with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a combination of two drugs: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate works by interfering with the working of nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes necessary for the reproduction of the virus. Together, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate helps in treating HIV infection.
Please do not stop taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate without consulting your doctor, as it may reduce the effectiveness of anti-HIV therapy. Continue taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to treat your condition effectually. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate might cause lactic acidosis (excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but 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 Fumarate.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate does not cure HIV infection. However, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate helps to decrease the chance of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections.
HIV negative patients can take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate to lower the chance of getting HIV infection if prescribed by the doctor. Before starting the treatment, you should have a negative HIV test and whilst taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate regular HIV tests for at least every 3months is advised.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may cause bone problems such as soft bones, thin bones, and bone pain. A regular bone density test is advised while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. For good bone health, take calcium and vitamin D supplements as told by the doctor.
