Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide

Information about Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide

Emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide uses

Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide is used in the treatment of HIV infection.

How emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide works

This is a combination of two medicines, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. They belong to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Emtricitabine interrupts the virus life cycle by inhibiting a crucial enzyme called HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Tenofovir alafenamide is converted to tenofovir diphosphate which gets incorporated into viral DNA, resulting in the inhibition of HIV replication.

Common side effects of emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide

Nausea, Diarrhea, Headache, Depression, Rash, Dizziness, Fatigue, Vomiting, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Weakness, Allergic reaction, Abnormal dreams, Decreased phosphate level in blood, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Increased triglyceride level in blood, Abdominal pain, Weight loss, Upper respiratory tract infection, Increased transaminase level in blood, Increased glucose level in blood, Elevated levels of serum amylase, Increased lipase in the blood, Elevated creatine kinase

Available Medicine for Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide

    Expert advice for Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide

    • Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide may weaken your bones. Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
    • Although treatment with Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide can reduce the risk of you passing HIV to others through sexual contact, it does not stop it. Therefore, it is important to use condoms.
    • Inform your doctor immediately if you develop any infection soon after taking Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide.
    • Your doctor may prescribe you blood tests to check for hepatitis B virus infection before the start of the treatment with Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide.
    • Increase your fluid intake and take a healthy diet during your treatment with Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide.
    • Avoid sharing personal belongings like razors or toothbrushes with your family members.
    • It is common for people with HIV to feel low or even depressed, especially soon after the diagnosis has been made. If you have any feelings of depression it is advisable to speak with your doctor.

    Frequently asked questions for Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide

    Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide

    Q. What is Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide? What is it used for?
    Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide is a combination of two medicines that belong to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better.
    Q. How and when to take Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide?
    One tablet of Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide orally once daily with or without food is to be taken by adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Always follow your doctor's instructions while taking this medicine and never self-medicate.
    Q. Can a patient with kidney disease take Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide?
    No, Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/minute). Your doctor will be able to give you more information on this.
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    Q. Can Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide be used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection?
    No, Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide is not approved for the treatment of chronic HBV infection, and the safety and efficacy of the medicine have not been established in patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV infection. Thus, patients with HIV-1 will be tested for the presence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) before initiating antiretroviral therapy with Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide.
    Q. Does Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide increase the risk of bone disorders?
    Yes, $ the name may cause your bones to get weak and brittle. You will be prescribed a bone mineral density test if you have a history of bone fracture or disorders like osteoporosis.
    Q. I am experiencing flu-like infections after starting treatment with Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide. Is it due to $ the name?
    Yes, you may experience flu infections after taking Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide since your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Immediately consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your health.
    Q. Can I indulge in sexual activity without using any contraceptive barriers after taking Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide?
    No, Emtricitabine+Tenofovir Alafenamide will not stop HIV transmission to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand this and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV, by using a latex condom or other barrier methods. Seek advice from your doctor.

    Content on this page was last updated on 19 May, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)