emtricitabine and tenofovir Health Article

Generic name(s):

emtricitabine and tenofovir

Brand name(s):

emtricitabine-tenofovir, Truvada

What is the most important information I should know about emtricitabine and tenofovir?

Do not take other medicines that also contain emtricitabine or tenofovir (such as Emtriva or Viread), or lamivudine (such as Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, or Trizivir). This medication may cause lactic acidosis (the build-up of lactic acid in the body). Lactic acidosis symptoms can start slowly and gradually get worse. Symptoms include unusual muscle pain and weakness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and numbness or cold feeling in your arms or legs. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are only mild. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Emtricitabine and tenofovir can cause severe or fatal liver problems. Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

What is emtricitabine and tenofovir?

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from reproducing in your body.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir treats HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Emtricitabine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking emtricitabine and tenofovir?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• bone problems; or

• hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use emtricitabine and tenofovir, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy patient registry when you start using this medication.

You should not breast-feed while you are using emtricitabine and tenofovir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.