Understanding Emtricitabine Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: Uses, Dosages, and Benefits

The combination of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet is used to treat HIV-infected adults over the age of 18 years, in combination with other antiretroviral agents.  It is also used in combination with safer sex practices for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in adults at high risk. This indication is based on research trials in men who have sex with men at high risk for HIV-1 infection and in heterosexual couples.

Dose and method of administration  

    1.   Adults:  The recommended dose of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet is one tablet, taken orally daily before or after consuming food. The tablets can be disintegrated in about 100 ml of water, grape juice, or orange juice and taken immediately.  
    1.   For Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: The recommended dose of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets in HIV-1 uninfected adults is one tablet, taken orally once a day. It is suggested that Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets should be taken after consuming food to optimize the absorption of Tenofovir. 
    1.   The safety and effectiveness of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir have not been established in patients under the age of 18 years. Consequently, the combination medicine should not be given to children and adolescents. 
    1.   No data is available on dose suggestions for patients over 65 years. In general, dose selection for the elderly should be cautiously made, keeping in mind the greater frequency of reduced liver, kidney, or cardiac function and concomitant disease or other drug treatment.
    1.   For renal insufficiency, significantly increased drug exposure when tenofovir disoproxil was given to patients with moderate to severe kidney impairment. 

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate price

Tenofovir bisoprolol fumarate 300 mg as monotherapy is sold under Rivofonet 300 mg. It is combined with other HIV medicines to treat HIV patients. Buy Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets 300 mg only when it is prescribed to you by a doctor. Once you receive the prescription, compare Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets 300 mg price online to get the best deal.

    • The combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate emtricitabine tablets is contraindicated in patients allergic to emtricitabine, tenofovir, or other components of the tablets.
    • The combination drug should not be given to children or adolescents under the age of 18 years.
    • The HIV medicine should not be used concomitantly with emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or a drug containing lamivudine.
    • Avoid using the combination tablets for pre-exposure prevention in people with unknown or positive HIV status.
    • The combination tablets should not be used in HIV-infected patients only, along with other antiretroviral agents.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Patients getting tenofovir disoproxil fumarate emtricitabine or any other antiretroviral treatment may continue to develop opportunistic infections and other HIV-associated complications and, therefore, should remain under the observation of healthcare providers experienced in treating patients with HIV-associated disorders. Patients should also be aware that the combination of HIV medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. 

Lactic acidosis has been reported with the use of antiretroviral nucleoside agents alone or in combination with the treatment of HIV infection. Most of these cases are in females. Obesity and prolonged use of nucleosides may be a risk factor.  Caution should be taken when administering antiretroviral agents to any patients with known risk factors for liver disorders; however, cases have also been reported in patients with no known risk factors.  

This HIV drug should be suspended in any patients who develop clinical findings that suggest lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity.  

tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets 300 mg

Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate should only be used during pregnancy if required. In case an uninfected individual becomes pregnant while taking the combination medicine for treating  PeEP, careful consideration should be given to whether the use of this combination drug should be continued, taking into account the potential risk of HIV-1 infection during the pregnancy period. 

Because of the potential for HIV transmission and serious side effects in nursing infants, mothers are advised not to breastfeed if they are taking this combination drug for treating or for reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1.

Potential side effects of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

    1.   Kidney problems, including Kidney failure: If you suffer from kidney problems or have a history of kidney diseases, your healthcare specialist may perform blood tests to check your renal function before you begin or while taking this combination medicine. You may be advised to take medicine less often or even to stop treatment if you have serious disorders. 
    1.   Bone problems – Bone issues can develop in some who take this combination of medicines. Bone problems include bone pain and softening or thinning of bones, leading to fractures. Your healthcare professional may be required to check yoru bones. 
    1.   Changes in the immune system can occur when an HIV-1 infected individual begins taking HIV-1 medicines: Your immune system becomes strong and can then cause you to have inflammation in areas of your body where infections may have been hiding for a prolonged duration. This inflammation may cause you to develop minor symptoms like fever, but it may also contribute to serious health issues. Seek immediate medical help if you develop new symptoms after starting this combination medicine. 

The most common tenofovir disoproxil fumarate side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, tiredness, depression, dizziness, rash, abnormal dreams, and problems sleeping. Other side effects in people taking Emtricitabine/Tenofovir drug to help reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection include headache, abdomen pain, and decreased weight.