emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate at a glance
Medicine class
Combination nucleoside/nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
Main roles
HIV-1 treatment with other antiretrovirals and HIV PrEP for people confirmed HIV-negative.
Food
Preferably take with food; this may also help stomach side effects.
Important checks
HIV status, kidney function and hepatitis B status need assessment, particularly for PrEP.
What is emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate used for?
Uses include:
HIV-1 treatment in adults as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.
HIV-1 treatment in eligible adolescents when resistance or toxicity prevents first-line treatment.
PrEP alongside safer-sex practices for adults and eligible adolescents at high risk.
Specialist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a non-licensed context for the selected product.
How does emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate work?
Inside cells, both components are converted into active forms that interfere with HIV reverse transcriptase and stop viral DNA chains being completed. This limits HIV replication or helps prevent infection becoming established.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 245 mg
How to take emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate
Follow the clinic or prescription instructions exactly. The selected tablet is preferably taken with food.
Swallow with water.
If swallowing is difficult, disintegrate the tablet in about 100 mL of water, orange juice or grape juice and take it immediately.
Do not stop without discussing it with the prescriber, especially if you have hepatitis B.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion or wind
- Rash or itching
- Weakness or tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping or abnormal dreams
Get urgent medical advice
- Facial, lip, tongue or throat swelling, wheezing or breathing difficulty
- Marked thirst, unusually large amounts of urine or unexplained weakness suggesting kidney problems
- Persistent or worsening bone pain, muscle weakness or fractures
- Severe abdominal pain that may indicate pancreatitis
- Deep rapid breathing, drowsiness and abdominal symptoms suggesting lactic acidosis
- Jaundice or other signs of liver inflammation
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate in pregnancy
Available data have not shown an increased risk of malformations or fetal toxicity, and the combination may be considered when needed. Discuss pregnancy, pregnancy plans and PrEP use during pregnancy with a specialist; do not stop without advice.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate while breastfeeding
Both components pass into breast milk. The selected product advises against breastfeeding during treatment, while NHS PrEP information allows use in some breastfeeding people after clinical assessment. Seek specialist advice; people living with HIV should discuss feeding options with their HIV and maternity teams.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products because kidney toxicity or duplicate antiviral treatment may result.
NSAIDs, including high-dose or multiple ibuprofen or diclofenac products
May increase kidney injury risk, particularly with renal risk factors.
Other nephrotoxic medicines
Concurrent or recent use can increase kidney toxicity and should generally be avoided or closely monitored.
Didanosine
Raises didanosine exposure and has been associated with toxicity and virological failure; co-administration is not recommended.
Common questions about emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil maleate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it cure HIV?
No. It suppresses HIV when combined with other antiretrovirals but does not eliminate the infection.
Why is an HIV test needed before PrEP?
Using the combination alone during unrecognised HIV infection may be inadequate treatment and can select viral resistance.
Does PrEP protect against other sexually transmitted infections?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.