Emtricitabine and Tenofovir are combined in this medicine.
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir may also be used in HIV-negative individuals to lower the chance of getting HIV infection through sex.
Take Emtricitabine + Tenofovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are unable to swallow the tablet, it can be dispersed in 100 mL of water, orange juice or grape juice.
If you vomit within 1 hour after taking Emtricitabine + Tenofovir, another dose should be taken. If vomiting occurs more than 1 hour after taking the medicine, do not repeat the dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time.
It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for a long time, such as for a few years. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Emtricitabine + Tenofovir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have unknown HIV status when taking this medicine for HIV pre-exposure prevention, as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Emtricitabine + Tenofovir. It is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hepatitis B (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids) or hepatitis C (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through exposure to infected blood [blood-to-blood contact])
- history of bone fracture or osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening test for hepatitis B infection must be done before treatment, to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function test, amount of HIV in a blood sample, bone density) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of HIV infection in patients taking Emtricitabine + Tenofovir for HIV pre-exposure prevention may also be needed.
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, stomach pain, stomach wind, vomiting, nausea, headache, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and abnormal dreams.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, sleepiness, trouble breathing, feeling very tired or weak, very bad dizziness, feeling cold, unusual muscle pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for viral infections e.g. aciclovir, adefovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valaciclovir, valganciclovir
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir
- NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation)
- certain antibiotics e.g. gentamicin, vancomycin, amphotericin B
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Emtricitabine + Tenofovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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