emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate at a glance
Class
Two nucleotide or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
Licensed roles
HIV-1 treatment as part of combination therapy and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Important checks
HIV status, kidney function and hepatitis B status require assessment.
What is emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treating HIV-1 in adults as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.
Treating HIV-1 in certain adolescents when resistance or toxicity prevents use of first-line NRTIs.
PrEP, alongside other prevention measures, for adults and adolescents at high risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 who are confirmed HIV-negative.
How does emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate work?
Cells convert both components into active forms that inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase and stop viral DNA chains from being completed. This limits HIV replication and, for PrEP, helps prevent infection becoming established.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 245 mg
How to take emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate
Take it exactly as directed by the HIV or sexual-health team, preferably with food. If swallowing is difficult, the selected tablet can be dispersed in water, orange juice or grape juice and taken immediately.
Do not stop without clinical advice, particularly if you have hepatitis B.
Correct, consistent use is important when prescribed as PrEP.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal discomfort, bloating or indigestion
- 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
- Deep, rapid breathing with drowsiness, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Marked thirst or changes in urination, persistent back pain, muscle weakness or worsening bone pain
- Yellow skin or eyes, itching or significant abdominal pain
- Severe or persistent symptoms of infection or inflammation after starting HIV treatment
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate in pregnancy
Available data have not shown an increased risk of malformations or fetal or newborn toxicity. The selected product may be considered when clinically necessary. Discuss individual benefits and risks with a specialist rather than stopping it yourself.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate while breastfeeding
Both components pass into breast milk. The selected product's SmPC advises against breastfeeding because infant-effect data are insufficient, while NHS PrEP guidance permits it when the infant is healthy. A specialist should advise according to HIV status, indication and the infant's health.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products because kidney toxicity and duplicate antiviral ingredients are key concerns.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac
Regular, high-dose or multiple NSAID use may increase kidney risk, particularly when renal risk factors are present.
Nephrotoxic medicines
Medicines such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cidofovir or vancomycin may compound kidney toxicity and generally require avoidance or close monitoring.
Other emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine or adefovir products
Common questions about emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil phosphate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is an HIV test needed before PrEP?
Using this combination during unrecognised HIV infection may allow resistance to develop, so HIV-negative status must be confirmed and rechecked.
Why are kidney tests needed?
Both components are cleared through the kidneys, and tenofovir disoproxil can occasionally impair kidney function or injure the kidney tubules.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.