Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | HIV-1 infection |
| Therapy | Anti-Retroviral |
| Side Effects | Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, rash, feeling weak |
Medicines
available
19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine is used to help treat HIV-1 infection in adults. It contains tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine. It works by blocking the virus from multiplying, helping reduce the amount of HIV in your body and protecting your immune system. Although it does not cure HIV, taking it regularly as prescribed helps manage the infection and improves your health over time.
You should take the medicine exactly as your doctor instructs you, usually once a day with food to minimise side effects. Take it with water and try to take it at the same time every day. Missing doses can reduce how well the medicine works and increase your risk of getting HIV if you're using it for prevention. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Never take two doses at once.
Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, rash, or feeling weak. Serious side effects are rare, but this medicine can affect your kidneys, liver, or bones; therefore, regular check-ups and blood tests are essential. If you feel unwell, experience bone pain, or exhibit signs of liver issues such as yellowing of the skin or dark urine, please notify your doctor immediately.
It is important not to take this medicine with others that contain similar ingredients (like lamivudine or didanosine) or drugs that harm the kidneys (like amphotericin B or vancomycin), as this can increase the risk of side effects. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while on this medication, as it may put more strain on your liver and kidneys. Inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're currently taking.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor. Although this medicine can help prevent passing HIV to your baby, breastfeeding is not recommended as HIV can still be passed through breast milk. Also, this medicine is not for children under 12, and if you are over 65 or have existing health issues, your doctor may need to monitor you more closely. Safe sex practices like using condoms are still important, as this medicine is not a complete substitute for prevention.
Uses
Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine is used in treatment of HIV-1 infected adults and, as prescribed by a doctor, as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to lower the risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
Contraindications
When should one not use Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine
If you are allergic to tenofovir disoproxil, emtricitabine or any other ingredients of Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, rash, feeling weak
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You miss any doses of Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine, as this can reduce protection against HIV.
- You think you have been exposed to HIV or feel unwell.
- You have kidney, liver, or bone problems before or during treatment.
- You are over 65 or under 12 years old.
- You have taken any other medicines, especially those that may affect your kidneys.
- You have hepatitis B, as stopping Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine may cause serious liver problems. Do not stop it without talking to your doctor.
- You are not practising safer sex or using protection, as Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine alone may not prevent HIV.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
- Tenofovir disoproxil works by blocking a virus enzyme that is needed for the virus to multiply. This helps reduce the amount of virus in your body and protects your immune system. It doesn't cure HIV or hepatitis B, but it helps control them.
- Emtricitabine works by inhibiting an enzyme that the HIV virus requires to replicate. This helps lower the amount of virus in the body and supports the immune system. It does not cure HIV, but it helps manage it when taken regularly.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Do not take Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine with other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, tenofovir alafenamide, or lamivudine.
- Do not take adefovir dipivoxil with Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine.
- Avoid using this medicine with didanosine, as it may cause serious side effects.
- Taking Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine with kidney-harming medicines (like cidofovir, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, or vancomycin) can increase the risk of kidney problems.
- Avoid combining this medicine with certain HIV medicines like atazanavir unless your doctor adjusts the dose.
- Some hepatitis C medicines can increase the level of tenofovir in your body.
- Using multiple drugs that affect the kidneys can raise the risk of side effects.
- Certain medicines may increase the amount of Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine your body absorbs, so your doctor may need to monitor you closely.
Interactions with food items
- Take Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine with food to help it work more effectively and minimise side effects.
- Avoid very oily or fried foods as they may upset your stomach.
- Drink plenty of water daily to protect your kidneys.
- Do not drink alcohol because it can harm your liver and kidneys.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Do not use herbal supplements like St. John's Wort without asking your doctor.
Dosage
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
Missed a Dose
If you miss any dose of Tenofovir Disoproxil+Emtricitabine, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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