Emtricitabine and tenofovir

Generic name: emtricitabine and tenofovir [ EM-trye-SYE-ta-been-and-ten-OF-oh-vir- ]
Brand names: AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic, Descovy, Truvada, Descovy Blister Pack
Dosage forms: oral kit (200 mg-300 mg); oral tablet (100 mg-150 mg; 133 mg-200 mg; 167 mg-250 mg; 200 mg-25 mg; 200 mg-300 mg)
Drug class:Antiviral combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is emtricitabine and tenofovir?

Emtricitabine and tenofovir are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). emtricitabine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it can be used to treat HIV in adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 17 kilograms (37 pounds).

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is also used in children who weigh between 55 and 77 pounds (25 to 35 kilograms) and who take certain other HIV medications.

Truvada PrEP is used together with safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. You must be HIV-negative and an adult to use Truvada PrEP for this purpose.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not take this combination medicine if you also take other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir.

Truvada PrEP is used to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV in adults who are HIV-negative. This medicine alone will not protect you from infection with HIV. You must also use safer sex practices and get tested for HIV at least every 3 months.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using emtricitabine and tenofovir. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take emtricitabine and tenofovir if you are allergic to emtricitabine or tenofovir. Do not take if you also use other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir (such as Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Dutrebis, Emtriva, Epivir, Epzicom, Genvoya, Hepsera, Odefsey, Stribild, Triumeq, Trizivir, or Viread).

If you take ...