What is Truvada: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Truvada overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Truvada

Generic Names:

  • Emtricitabine-Tenofovir Df

Uses:

  • Treats and prevents HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiretroviral Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Truvada come in

  • Tablet

What are common Truvada doses?

  • Tablet 200-300MG

  • Tablet 100-150MG

  • Tablet 167-250MG

  • Tablet 133-200MG

Common Truvada prescriptions

  • Truvada
    2 tablets bottle

  • Truvada
    3 tablets bottle

  • Truvada
    30 tablets bottle

  • Truvada
    5 tablets bottle

  • Truvada
    100-150mg tablet

  • Truvada
    133-200mg tablet

  • Truvada
    167-250mg tablet

  • Truvada
    200-300mg tablet

How to take Truvada

  • This medicine is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in the original bottle.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in the original bottle.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

Truvada contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to emtricitabine or tenofovir, or if you have an unknown or positive HIV-1 status (for Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP).

Truvada warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B), or bone problems (including osteoporosis).

  • Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Worsening of hepatitis B infectionKidney problemsLower bone mineral densityLactic acidosis (too much acid in your blood)Liver problems

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. If you are using this medicine to prevent HIV (HIV-1 PrEP), your doctor may also check you for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections before starting this medicine and for at least once every 3 months during treatment. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking this medicine for HIV-1 PrEP.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Truvada interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how emtricitabine and tenofovir combination works. Tell your doctor if you are using:Acyclovir, adefovir dipivoxil, atazanavir, cidofovir, darunavir/ritonavir, didanosine, ganciclovir, gentamicin, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, lopinavir/ritonavir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, valacyclovir, valganciclovirNSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how emtricitabine and tenofovir combination works. Tell your doctor if you are using acyclovir, atazanavir, cidofovir, darunavir/ritonavir, didanosine, ganciclovir, lopinavir/ritonavir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, an antibiotic, or an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

  • You may need to be tested for hepatitis B virus. You may need extra monitoring if you have hepatitis B.

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia, herpes, or tuberculosis.

  • When this medicine is used as part of a program to prevent HIV infection, you should be tested at least every 3 months for HIV and also tested regularly for other sexually transmitted infections. This medicine does not always prevent HIV infection.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

  • Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Truvada side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bone pain

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy urine

  • Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Fast or troubled breathing, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness or tiredness, confusion

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat

  • Mild nausea, diarrhea

  • Feeling depressed, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams

  • Headache, dizziness