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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Truvada
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em-tri-SIT-uh-bean, te-NOE-fo-veer dye soe PROX il   Audio

Brand Name: Truvada  Audio
Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Truvada is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs: emtricitabine (Emtriva) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF or Viread). Both of these medicines are called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Emtricitabine and tenofovir DF are approved individually by the FDA for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children. Because these two medicines frequently are prescribed together, the manufacturer has combined them into one tablet to allow for once-a-day dosing. Truvada was approved by the FDA as a coformulation on August 2, 2004, for use with other antiretroviral medicines in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.

This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Truvada comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth.
The recommended dosage of Truvada is one tablet (200 mg of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir DF) once a day. Some individuals, such as those with decreased kidney function, may require a different dose of Truvada. Individuals should always take Truvada as their doctors prescribe.

Contraindications
Warnings and side effects of Truvada may be similar to those for both of the medicines separately. (See individual drug fact sheets for emtricitabine and tenofovir DF for more information.) Individuals with advanced kidney disease should not take Truvada. Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
The medicines in Truvada, like other NRTIs, can cause a sometimes fatal lactic acidosis and liver disease as well as blood problems, muscle weakness, or changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Those with Hepatits B infection may notice an increase in symptoms. A doctor should be notified if an individual taking this medication experiences digestive system problems, joint or muscle pain and weakness, pain or tingling of hands or feet, headache, dizziness, and unusual tiredness or weakness. Other serious side effects of this medicine include kidney failure; severe disease of the pancreas; vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or weight loss; general feeling of discomfort; muscle pain or cramping; difficulty with or shallow breathing; and sleepiness. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these symptoms.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, dizziness, intestinal gas, nausea, headache, rash, and skin discoloration. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Manufacturer Information
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
  Gilead Sciences Inc
  333 Lakeside Dr
  Foster City,  CA  94404
  (800) 445-3235
    

Truvada
  Gilead Sciences Inc
  333 Lakeside Dr
  Foster City,  CA  94404
  (800) 445-3235
    
Updated November 5, 2008