emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate at a glance
Medicine class
Combination nucleoside and nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors.
Main roles
HIV-1 treatment with other antiretrovirals, and PrEP within the product's licensed population.
Food
The tablet can be taken with or without food.
Tablet handling
Swallow whole if possible. It may be split for immediate use but should not be chewed or crushed.
What is emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Treating HIV-1 in adults and eligible adolescents, with other antiretroviral medicines.
PrEP to reduce sexually acquired HIV-1 in at-risk adult and eligible adolescent men who have sex with men. Effectiveness through vaginal intercourse has not been established.
How does emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate work?
Both components are activated inside cells and block HIV reverse transcriptase, an enzyme needed to copy viral genetic material. They stop the viral DNA chain from extending, reducing viral replication.
emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 10 mg, 200 mg + 25 mg
How to take emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
Take it exactly as prescribed. Do not stop without speaking to the treating clinic, particularly if you have hepatitis B. It can be taken with or without food.
Do not chew or crush the film-coated tablet.
If swallowing is difficult, split the tablet and take both halves one after the other immediately; do not store it split.
Keep tablets in the original tightly closed bottle. Leave the desiccant inside and do not swallow it.
emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain or wind
- Headache or dizziness
- Abnormal dreams
- Rash
- Tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, especially with breathing or swallowing difficulty
- New inflammatory or infection symptoms after starting HIV treatment
- Persistent joint pain, stiffness or difficulty moving
- Clinically significant kidney impairment or proximal renal tubulopathy
emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in pregnancy
Tenofovir alafenamide pregnancy data remain limited, although extensive emtricitabine data have not shown fetal or neonatal toxicity. Specialist assessment of benefits and risks is needed. Do not stop HIV treatment because of pregnancy without speaking to the HIV and maternity teams.
emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate while breastfeeding
The product information advises against use while breastfeeding because emtricitabine enters breast milk and infant safety information is insufficient. Discuss infant feeding early with the specialist HIV and maternity team rather than stopping treatment independently.
emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate interactions
Ask the HIV or PrEP team to check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products. Important examples include:
Rifampicin, rifabutin or rifapentine
May lower tenofovir alafenamide exposure, risking reduced effect and resistance; co-administration is not recommended.
Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin
May substantially reduce tenofovir alafenamide exposure; co-administration is not recommended.
St John's wort
May reduce tenofovir alafenamide exposure and should not be used with this combination.
Common questions about emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used alone to treat HIV?
No. For established HIV-1 it must be combined with other appropriate antiretroviral medicines.
Is it licensed as PrEP for everyone?
No. The selected product is licensed for at-risk men who have sex with men, including eligible adolescents. Effectiveness through vaginal intercourse has not been established.
Do I need an HIV test before using it as PrEP?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.