Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz
About Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz belongs to the class of medicines called ‘antiretroviral agents’ used to treat HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune cells of the body leading to decreased immunity. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat that usually last for days to several weeks.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz contains Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Efavirenz. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme production, which is necessary for the multiplication of the viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz are dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, rashes (red spots or blotches, sometimes with blistering and swelling of the skin), and feeling weak. These side effects usually resolve without requiring any medical attention. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz is not recommended to take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz if you are allergic to any contents of it. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz is not recommended for use in lactating mothers, children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side effects; therefore, avoid alcohol consumption.
Uses of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz
Medicinal Benefits
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz belongs to the group of medicines called antiretroviral therapy. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz contains Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Efavirenz. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme production, which is necessary to multiply the viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication and treats HIV infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Feeling weak
- Loss of appetite
Drug Warnings
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should be used with caution in patients with mental illness, fits, and liver diseases. If you notice any signs of infection, inform your doctor immediately. Autoimmune diseases (immune cells attack healthy body tissue) may occur months after the start of the treatment. Inform your doctor if you notice any signs such as muscle weakness, weakness in the hands and feet, palpitations (pounding heart), and tremors. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz may cause osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to a decrease in blood supply to the bone) in some patients. The risk of this disease depends on factors such as length of antiretroviral therapy, alcohol use, steroid use, body mass index (BMI), and immunity. Inform your doctor if you notice joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement, as these symptoms may indicate osteonecrosis.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should not be taken along with antiallergic medicines (astemizole, terfenadine), a medicine used to treat heart disease (bepridil), a medicine used to treat heartburn (cisapride), medications used to treat hepatitis C (elbasvir, grazoprevir), drugs used to treat migraine (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine), medicines used to treat mental illnesses (pimozide, imipramine, clomipramine), herbal medicine to treat depression (Hypericum perforatum), anti-fungal agent (voriconazole), medications used to treat irregular heartbeats (flecainide, metoprolol), antibiotic (imidazole) and opioid pain killer (methadone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should not be used in patients with severe liver disease, moderate to severe kidney disease, or heart conditions such as prolonged QT interval, which increases the risk of severe heart rhythm problems, and low electrolyte levels.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid the consumption of alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is given only if clinically needed and when the benefits outweigh the risk.
Breast Feeding
cautionAvoid breastfeeding during treatment with Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should not be used in patients with severe liver diseases. In mild to moderate conditions, the dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should not be used in patients with moderate to severe kidney diseases as this medicine may affect kidney function. In mild conditions, the dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeEmtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18 years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Consume 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 your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
- Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
- Make sure you sleep at least 8 hours a day.
Special Advise
- You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.
- You can still infect other people while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz. So, use necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.
- Do not stop taking the medicine unless advised by the doctor. This is because the virus gets multiplied and becomes harder to treat if you stop taking the medication for a short time.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception while using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz and for 12 weeks after stopping the treatment.
- Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz may affect kidney function, so monitoring kidney function while using this medicine is advised.
- Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz may decrease phosphate levels in the blood. It may also increase creatine kinase levels in the blood resulting in muscle pain and weakness. Regular monitoring of phosphate levels and creatine kinase levels is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making the individual susceptible to other conditions 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. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. 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 it with antiretroviral agents.
FAQs
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme production, which is necessary for the production of viruses. This effect helps to inhibit viral replication and treats HIV infection.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz is not recommended for patients with severe liver disease, moderate to severe kidney disease, or heart conditions such as prolonged QT interval, which increases the risk of severe heart rhythm problems, family history of heart problems, and low electrolyte levels.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz doesn’t cure HIV infection. However, it helps to control the disease and prevent opportunistic infections.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate+efavirenz may cause dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, or difficulty concentrating in the first 1-2 days of treatment, and these symptoms generally go away after the first 2-4weeks. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert.
