emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate at a glance
Medicine class
Two antiretroviral reverse-transcriptase inhibitors in one tablet.
Main roles
Combination treatment of HIV-1 and prevention of sexually acquired HIV-1 as PrEP.
Administration
Preferably take with food. The selected tablet may be disintegrated in water, orange juice or grape juice if swallowing is difficult.
Important checks
HIV status, hepatitis B status and kidney function require assessment when used as PrEP.
What is emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treating HIV-1 in adults as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.
Treating HIV-1 in eligible adolescents when resistance or toxicity prevents use of first-line nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors.
PrEP, alongside other prevention measures, for adults and adolescents at high risk of sexually acquired HIV-1.
How does emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate work?
Inside cells, both components become active forms that block HIV reverse transcriptase and stop viral DNA chains being completed. This reduces HIV replication or helps prevent infection becoming established.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 245 mg
How to take emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Follow instructions from the HIV or sexual-health team. The selected tablet is preferably taken with food. If swallowing is difficult, it can be disintegrated in water, orange juice or grape juice and taken immediately.
Seek advice if vomiting occurs soon after administration.
Do not stop or change how it is taken without consulting the prescribing team, especially if hepatitis B is present.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal discomfort, bloating or indigestion
- Tiredness or weakness
- Rash
- Sleep disturbance or abnormal dreams
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Kidney injury or proximal renal tubulopathy
- Persistent or worsening bone pain, which can indicate osteomalacia
- Marked muscle weakness or muscle breakdown
- Rare lactic acidosis or pancreatitis
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in pregnancy
Available data have not shown increased malformations or fetal or newborn toxicity, and the selected product may be considered when necessary. PrEP can be used during pregnancy, but discuss benefits and risks with the HIV or sexual-health team rather than stopping without advice.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate while breastfeeding
Advice depends on the clinical context. NHS PrEP information says breastfeeding may be compatible with clinically supervised PrEP when the baby is healthy. The selected product’s prescribing information is more restrictive because both components enter milk and infant-effect data are limited. People living with HIV need specialist infant-feeding advice because HIV may be transmitted through breast milk.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate interactions
Interaction through CYP enzymes is low, but renal elimination and duplicate antiviral ingredients are important.
Other products containing emtricitabine, tenofovir or lamivudine
Avoid unintended duplication unless directed by a specialist.
Adefovir dipivoxil
Concomitant use is not recommended.
Didanosine
Tenofovir can substantially increase didanosine exposure and serious toxicity; combined use is not recommended.
Common questions about emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate the same as PrEP?
It is a commonly used oral PrEP combination, but is also used with other antiretrovirals to treat established HIV-1 infection.
Can someone with HIV use it as PrEP?
No. It must not be used as PrEP when HIV status is positive or unknown, and it is not a complete HIV-treatment combination by itself.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.