Prescription Only Medication (POM)
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PrEP - Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets are used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals. They work by inhibiting viral replication, preventing HIV from establishing an infection in the body when exposed to the virus.
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets contain two active substances, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil – both active substances are antiretroviral medicines which are used to treat HIV infection.
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You should not take Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets if you are already taking other medicines that contain the components of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil, or any other antiviral medicines that contain tenofovir alafenamide, lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil.
If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets, contact your doctor or nearest emergency department for advice. Keep the tablet bottle with you so that you can easily describe what you have taken.
It is important not to miss a dose of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets. However, if you notice within 12 hours of the time you usually take Emtricitabine/Tenofovir, take the tablet preferably with food as soon as possible. Then take the next dose at your usual time.
If you notice 12 hours or more after the time you usually take Emtricitabine/Tenofovir, forget about the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose preferably with food, at your usual time.
If you vomit less than 1 hour after taking Emtricitabine/Tenofovir, take another tablet. You do not need to take another tablet if you were sick more than 1 hour after taking Emtricitabine/Tenofovir.
You should never stop taking Emtricitabine/Tenofovir without first consulting your healthcare provider. If you’re taking it for HIV treatment, stopping abruptly can lead to viral resistance. If you’re using it as PrEP and have been exposed to HIV, stopping could allow infection to take hold.
Yes, Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can potentially affect kidney function in some individuals. The medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, and in rare cases may cause kidney problems or worsen existing kidney disease. Before starting this medication, your doctor will test your kidney function and continue to monitor it regularly through blood and urine tests.
While there is no direct interaction between Emtricitabine/Tenofovir and alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption can affect your ability to take the medication consistently as prescribed. Alcohol can stress the liver and kidneys, organs that process this medication.
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can be used during pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. For HIV-positive pregnant women, continuing treatment is typically recommended to prevent transmission to the baby. For HIV-negative women using it as PrEP, the decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Before starting Emtricitabine/Tenofovir, you’ll need an HIV test to confirm you’re HIV-negative (for PrEP) or to establish your baseline (for HIV treatment). You’ll also need kidney function tests, and hepatitis B screening. While on the medication, you’ll need regular HIV tests (typically every 3 months for PrEP users), kidney function monitoring, and STI screening.
No, Emtricitabine/Tenofovir only helps protect against HIV infection. It provides no protection against other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, or human papillomavirus (HPV).
Regular STI screening is recommended for anyone taking PrEP, as other infections may be asymptomatic but can cause health problems if left untreated.
Long-term use of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir may be associated with small decreases in bone mineral density and potential effects on kidney function in some people. These changes are generally mild and may stabilise after an initial period. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider can detect any issues early.
Both components of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir are active against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the combination is sometimes used to treat chronic HBV infection. However, stopping Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can cause serious liver problems in people with HBV.
Before starting this medication, your doctor should test you for hepatitis B. If you have HBV, your liver function will need to be monitored carefully, and you may need specific management if the medication is discontinued.
This medicine should be stored in the original packaging to protect it from moisture, and the container should be tightly closed. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
You should not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Instead, ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
If you require any additional information about Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets, there are plenty of reputable sources available such as the BNF. Additionally, we offer a free Ask-a-Pharmacist service – we’re here to help!
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For most people, this means one tablet once daily with or without food. Consistent daily dosing is crucial for the medication to be effective.
If you’re using it as PrEP, you’ll need to take it for at least 7 days before it provides maximum protection against HIV. The medication works best when there’s a consistent level in your bloodstream, so try to take it at the same time each day.
Like all medicines, Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects include:
Tests may also show decrease in phosphate in the blood, and increased creatine kinase. A full list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets are antiretroviral medicines used to treat or prevent HIV infection. They work by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the virus needs to copy itself in the body.
By stopping the virus from multiplying, the medicine helps to lower the amount of HIV in the blood and protects the immune system. When used daily by people at risk, it can also be taken as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help prevent HIV infection.
Any medication you buy online from e-Surgery is delivered using Royal Mail. The delivery options available include Royal Mail Tracked 48, Royal Mail Tracked 24, and Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm (read more about e-Surgery delivery).
Your Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Tablets will arrive in discreet and recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice.
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