emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate at a glance
Medicine class
Combination nucleoside/nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
Licensed roles
HIV-1 treatment with other antiretrovirals and HIV PrEP alongside broader prevention measures.
Administration
Preferably take with food. The tablet can be disintegrated in water, orange juice or grape juice and taken immediately.
Important checks
HIV status, hepatitis B status and kidney function require assessment.
What is emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate used for?
Licensed 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 with other prevention measures for adults and adolescents at high risk of sexually acquired HIV-1.
How does emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate work?
Cells convert both components into active forms that compete with building blocks used by HIV reverse transcriptase. They terminate viral DNA chains, restricting HIV replication and helping prevent infection becoming established when used as PrEP.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 245 mg
How to take emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate
Follow the plan supplied by your HIV or sexual-health team.
Take the selected product preferably with food.
Swallow the tablet, or disintegrate it in water, orange juice or grape juice and take it immediately.
If you vomit soon after taking it, check the packet leaflet or contact your clinic promptly.
Do not change or stop treatment without speaking to your prescribing team, particularly if you have hepatitis B.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Weakness or tiredness
- Rash
- Abdominal discomfort, indigestion, bloating or wind
- Sleep disturbance or abnormal dreams
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- Kidney injury or renal-tubule damage
- Rare lactic acidosis
- Liver inflammation or a hepatitis B flare, particularly after stopping
- Pancreatitis causing significant abdominal pain
- Persistent bone pain, fractures or substantial muscle weakness
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate in pregnancy
Available data have not identified malformation or fetal or neonatal toxicity. Use may be considered when necessary, including PrEP after discussing benefits and risks. Tell your specialist if pregnant, planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant, and do not stop without advice.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate while breastfeeding
The selected product's SmPC advises against use while breastfeeding because both components enter milk and infant effects are insufficiently characterised. NHS guidance says PrEP may be used while breastfeeding a healthy baby under clinical supervision. Seek specialist advice for your circumstances.
emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescribed and recreational substances with your HIV or sexual-health team. Important examples include:
Other emtricitabine-, tenofovir- or lamivudine-containing products; adefovir
Avoid unintended duplication or related antiviral combinations not recommended by the SmPC.
Didanosine
Co-administration is not recommended because didanosine exposure and serious toxicity may increase.
Kidney-toxic medicines, including high-dose or multiple NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B and vancomycin
These can increase kidney-injury risk; alternatives or closer renal monitoring may be required.
Common questions about emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil succinate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it used for both HIV treatment and PrEP?
Yes. It is licensed with other antiretrovirals for HIV-1 treatment and, for people confirmed HIV-negative, as PrEP alongside broader prevention measures.
Does PrEP protect against other sexually transmitted infections?
No. PrEP targets HIV and does not prevent infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or syphilis.
Why is an HIV test needed before PrEP?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.