Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2022.
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (HBV) have been reported in HBV-infected individuals who have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and may occur with discontinuation of emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in individuals who are infected with HBV and discontinue emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. If appropriate, initiation of antihepatitis B therapy may be warranted. Emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide used for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis must only be prescribed to individuals confirmed to be HIV-negative immediately prior to initiating and at least every 3 months during use. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of FTC during use. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of FTC/TDF for HIV-1 PrEP following undetected acute HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis if signs or symptoms of acute HIV-1 infection are present unless negative infection status is confirmed .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Descovy
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antiretroviral Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Uses for emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide combination is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide is also used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection. Your doctor may do tests to make sure you are negative from HIV-1 infection before taking emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide for HIV-1 PrEP.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. It helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems that usually result from AIDS or HIV disease. It will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the ..
