GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'PrEP Emtricitabine/ Tenofovir (Truvada) is a medication used for treatment of HIV-positive persons and for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. '.

If you think PrEP Emtricitabine/ Tenofovir (Truvada) is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Truvada

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is the generic version of the branded PrEP medication Truvada. It is an antiviral medicine most commonly used to prevent HIV infections in those that are at a higher risk.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir

This PrEP HIV treatment contains two active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil - these drugs are nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors or NRTIs for short.

Tenvir EM

The generic PrEP drugs Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (also referred to as 'Tenvir EM') can be used alongside other HIV medications to help control existing HIV infections. The anti HIV medication works to decrease the amount of infection in your body which allows your immune system to work better. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir lowers the increased risk of contracting HIV-based complications and helps to improve the quality of life for people with the HIV virus.

It should be noted that Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is a PrEP medication that should not be used on its own to control an HIV infection. If you use it on its own it will be much less effective than if it is used in conjunction with at least one other HIV PrEP treatment.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (PrEP) is not a cure for HIV infections. It is also not a guarantee of preventing HIV infections.

Video: A Guide to PrEP

UK Meds have created a video guide to explain what Prep is. Watch it below:

An Explanation of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

The CDC explain how PrEP treatments for HIV work in the video below:

Google Web Story: A Beginner's Guide to PrEP

UK Meds' Google Web Story below provides an explanation of PrEP Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada):

If you're keen to learn more about the HIV treatment, our blog: A Beginner’s Guide to PrEP is the perfect resource for you.

For more information you can read the patient information leaflet for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil (generic Truvada medication).

PrEP (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir) works by reducing the chances of contracting an HIV infection when exposed to it following unprotected sex and sexual activity such as vaginal/frontal and anal sex with a HIV positive partner. This is provided that it is taken daily and in conjunction with safe sex practices including the use of condoms. PrEP is a combination of two medications, emtricitabine and tenofovir. These two medications are known as NRTIs. NRTIs work by inhibiting the enzyme in the body, reverse transcriptase. This is needed for HIV to replicate in the body.

PrEP Tablets

You should make sure to always read the medication guide that comes with your medication. If you have questions or if you are not sure about something then you should ask your doctor, health care provider or sexual health clinic for medical advice before you take any prescription drugs / medication.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir tablets are to be taken orally with water as directed by your doctor. Usually, this will be once daily. If you are taking didanosine enteric-coated tablets alongside your PrEP medication then you should take them both either on an empty stomach or with a light meal. If you are taking the didanosine buffered tablets then you should take both drugs on an empty stomach.

For the best results when using Emtricitabine/Tenofovir, you should take it at evenly spaced times. To help you remember to take your medication you should try and take it at the same time every day.

In the event of vomiting within an hour of taking a tablet, another tablet should be taken. However, if vomiting occurs more than an hour after intake, there is no need for another tablet. Overdose requires immediate consultation with a doctor via 111 or the nearest sexual health clinic.

It takes 7 days for emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil to become effective in protecting against HIV. In the meantime, it is advisable to employ other forms of protection such as condoms. Discontinuing PrEP requires consulting with a doctor to establish safe means of going off the medication.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) Dosage

You should always take the amount of PrEP Emtricitabine/Tenofovir that you have been instructed to by your doctor. The dosage of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir) you are told to take will be based on your personal kidney function, any medical conditions you may have, as well as your response to the treatment. Children may be prescribed a different dosage of PrEP medication based on their weight.

It is important that you keep on taking Emtricitabine/Tenofovir and any other HIV medications you use exactly as they have been prescribed to you by your doctor. You should make sure to never skip any doses.

You should also not take more or less Emtricitabine/Tenofovir than prescribed, and you should not stop taking it, even for a short time, unless you have been told to do by your doctor. Stopping your treatment can cause the amount of virus to increase which will make the infection more difficult to treat, or can even worsen side effects.

Missing a dose of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil heightens the risk of HIV acquisition. If a dose is missed, make up for it within 12 hours of the scheduled time. Otherwise, wait until the next scheduled dosage. Using safe sex methods such as condom usage can help reduce the risk if a dose is missed.

Yes. Before using Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil, it is important to consult with your doctor if you are taking certain medications, as it can interact with other drugs. These include medication for viral, bacterial, or fungal infections like ganciclovir, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides, interleukin-2 used for cancer treatment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are typically used to relieve muscle or bone pain, as well as medication used to treat hepatitis C like ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. Speak to your doctor to determine if taking Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil is a suitable PrEP treatment for you, depending on any other medications that you are taking currently.

It is important to avoid taking emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil if you are already taking medications that contain the same active ingredients or other antiviral drugs that contain adefovir dipivoxil, alafenamide, lamivudine, or tenofovir.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) Side Effects

Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil has been associated with severe side effects such as elevated lactic acid in the bloodstream (lactic acidosis), which can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, rapid breathing, or drowsiness and autoimmune disorders like palpitations, muscle weakness, or hyperactivity. An allergic reaction is rare when taking this HIV medication. However, it should be stressed that if you experience any adverse effects, you should seek immediate medical attention by speaking to a doctor or healthcare professional.

Emtricitabine/tenofovir is not recommended if you suffer from pre-existing kidney problems. Similarly, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are considering emtricitabine/tenofovir as a treatment for HIV, you should speak to a health care provider to assess if it will be suitable for you.

Common Truvada Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Wind
• Rashes
• Allergic reactions, like wheezing or swelling
• Reduction in white blood cells

Uncommon Truvada Side Effects

• Swelling in the lips, tongue, throat, or face
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Inflammation of the pancreas, causing stomach pain
• Reduction in red blood cells (anaemia)
• Changes in urine
• Liver inflammation, resulting in stomach pain, itching, and yellow skin
• Bone pain or increased fractures
• Kidney problems

Is it safe to take Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) with other antiviral medicine?

Your doctor may wish to monitor your kidney function via blood tests if you are currently taking any other protease inhibitor antiviral medicine due to the increased risk of damage your kidneys - some protease inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. Always consult them before starting a HIV medicine such as Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil treatment for HIV infections.

Can Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) cause erectile dysfunction?

Although emtricitabine/tenofovir isn't typically associated with erectile dysfunction, ED is more common in men living with HIV due to added psychological and physical pressures, such as a new diagnosis, stigma, anxiety, older age or diabetes along with other issues.

Can Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) be used to treat hepatitis b (HBV)?

No. Emtricitabine and tenofovir shouldn't be used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) as your condition could potentially worsen after you stop taking the medication leading to complications such as liver inflammation. It is vital to consult your doctor, healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting PrEP treatment to ensure that it is suitable and safe for you.

Yes. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can have many drug interactions. It is vital to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for appropriate medical advice prior to starting HIV PrEP treatment with Emtricitabine/Tenofovir if you are taking any other medication.

Store Emtricitabine/Tenofovir in a cool and dry place with a temperature of less than 25 degrees. Avoid using this medication if the expiration date mentioned on the original packaging has elapsed. Ensure that it is kept out of reach of children.

Buy Truvada

You can safely buy your Emtricitabine/Tenofovir online from UK Meds. You will need a valid prescription in order to purchase this generic version of Truvada PrEP medication. This prescription can either be from your doctor or it can be obtained directly from UK Meds via a successful online consultation. Once you are able to provide a valid prescription, your order to buy tenofovir combined with emtricitabine will be confirmed. Our online consultation will ensure that Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) is the right PrEP treatment for you.

If you think you may be HIV positive it is important to get a HIV test to confirm your HIV status.

Yes, you can get PrEP Emtricitabine/Tenofovir on a subscription from UK Meds. By getting your generic Truvada medication on a subscription you can rest assured that you will get it when you need it, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!

PrEP on NHS

Yes. Generic PrEP (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir) is available at NHS sexual health clinics in the UK. PrEP medication supplied by NHS clinics is also generic.

Every patient with partners suffering from HIV has a unique individual experience when taking PrEP Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (generic Truvada) as a treatment.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Truvada) User Reviews

To see what people have to say about their experiences with the medication, take a look at the Emtricitabine/Tenofovir user reviews, there's a wide range of customer reviews and experiences with the PrEP medication usage available at Drugs.com, WebMD and Everyday Health.

You must speak to a doctor or your healthcare provider for medical advice before taking Emtricitabine/Tenofovir tablets. They will assess your suitability for the anti HIV medication and whether your health condition requires it or if an alternative treatment would be better suited.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website

• Drugs.com - Emtricitabine and Tenofovir
• BNF - Emtricitabine with Tenofovir Disoproxil
• BNF - Medicinal Forms of Emtricitabine with Tenofovir Disoproxil
• Medicines.org.uk - Information for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Users
• THT - Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• NHS - About Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• AWTTC - Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil
• Netdoctor - Truvada (Tenofovir and Emtricitabine)
• ScienceDirect - Tenofovir/Emtricitabine
• Mayo Clinic - Emtricitabine and Tenofovir (Oral Route)
• Wikipedia - Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
• Gilead Sciences Inc - Truvada