Truvada

Truvada is a combination of the HIV antiviral drugs emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Both drugs are NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). They inject themselves into the virus's genetic material. By doing this, Truvada reduces the amount of HIV in the blood, reducing viral load and improving the CD4+ T cell count.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Truvada. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Truvada:

• If you use Truvada to treat HIV-1 infection, you also need to take other HIV-1 medications. Your healthcare professional will advise you on what medications to take and how to take them.
• If you take Truvada for HIV prevention, it may be your only medication, unless you have any other medical issues.
• Take once daily, with or without food.
• Children using Truvada are given a lower-strength tablet than adults. Children should take the Truvada tablet orally.
• If you're on dialysis, take this medication thereafter.

The most common side effects of Truvada seen in clinical trials include:

• Depression.
• Higher cholesterol levels.
• High creatine kinase levels.
• Dizziness.
• Stomach pain.
• Sinus or upper respiratory tract infections.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Rash.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Truvada. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Lactic acid buildup in the blood (lactic acidosis), which causes fatigue and weakness, as well as abdominal and muscle pain and breathing difficulties.
• Tiredness, confusion, nausea, less frequent urination, swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, and joint or bone pain are all symptoms of kidney difficulties.
• Liver problems with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, a lack of appetite, pain on the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, black urine, and light stool.
• Allergic reaction to the medication.
• Bone problems and decreases in bone mineral density (BMD).
• Worsening hepatitis B infection.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Truvada. You should always consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Truvada, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Liver problems such as HBV infection (hepatitis B virus)
• Kidney problems or receiving kidney dialysis treatment.
• Bone problems.
• Changes in your immune system.

Boxed Warning

Emtricitabine/tenofovir DF carries serious warnings. Stopping the medication in patients with hepatitis B can lead to severe flare-ups, so liver function should be closely monitored for months after discontinuation, and hepatitis B treatment may be needed. For HIV prevention (PrEP), the drug should only be given to individuals confirmed to be HIV-negative before starting and regularly during use (at least every 3 months). Starting PrEP without confirming HIV status may lead to drug-resistant HIV if the acute infection goes undetected.

• Using it as HIV PrEP in those who are unsure of their HIV status.
• Using it as monotherapy in HIV-positive patients.
• Allergy to emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product.

It is uncertain how long Truvada takes to treat HIV, but it must be used in conjunction with another HIV medicine for maximum effectiveness. Your healthcare practitioner will do regular blood tests to track your improvement. Truvada provides the best HIV prevention (PrEP) after being taken daily for several weeks, while the exact length varies depending on the type of exposure, such as sexual activity or injectable drug use.

When Truvada is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital.
• Ritonavir.
• Atazanavir.
• Lopinavir.
• Lamivudine.
• Efavirenz.
• Antiviral medications are used to treat hepatitis C and HIV.

Treatment for HIV

Adults and children weighing at least 77 pounds: The normal dose is one tablet taken orally once daily. Each tablet includes 200 mg emtricitabine and 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Children weighing 61 to 76 pounds: The average dose is 167 mg/250 mg (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) orally once a day.

Children weighing 48 to 60 pounds: The normal dose is 133 mg/200 mg (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) orally once daily.

Children weighing 37 to 47 pounds: The normal dose is 100 mg/150 mg (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) orally once daily.

PrEP (Prevention of HIV)

Adults and children weighing at least 77 pounds: The normal dose is one tablet taken orally once daily. Each tablet includes 200 mg emtricitabine and 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Try not to miss any doses of Truvada, as missing doses increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Gilead Sciences is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Truvada.

There are lower-cost generic versions available.

Do not adjust your Truvada dose or stop taking it without first consulting your doctor. When using Truvada, you should follow the instructions of your doctor.

It is unclear whether Truvada can harm your unborn child. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Truvada. There is a pregnancy registry for people who use Truvada while pregnant. The goal of this registry is to gather information about you and your baby's health. Consult your healthcare professional about how you can participate in this registry. Women who have HIV should continue with antiretroviral drugs and antiretroviral therapy.

Truvada might be passed to your infant through breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) if you have HIV-1 or believe you have just become infected with HIV due to the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby. If you are using Truvada for HIV prevention, see your healthcare professional about the best way to feed your infant.