Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
About Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is an antiretroviral medicine used to treat and prevent HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It helps in lowering the risk of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related conditions, including cancer and severe infections. Additionally, when taken daily and combined with safe sex practices, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide can reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV-1. HIV weakens the immune system by destroying white blood cells essential for fighting infections. Without treatment, it can progress to incurable AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is a combination of two medications: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir alafenamide. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, while Tenofovir alafenamide is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase enzymes, which are essential for the virus to replicate. Together, these medications work to treat and prevent HIV infection.
You are advised to take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may cause common side effects such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, leg weakness, and tingling or burning sensations in the hands or feet. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor for further advice.
Before using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or other medications. Always practice safe sex and take other necessary precautions, as Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for children weighing less than 25 kg. Avoid breastfeeding while using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, as it may pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you have a history of hepatitis B, any kidney, liver, or bone issues, or if you are over 65 years old.
Uses of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
Medicinal Benefits
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide belongs to a group of medications called 'antiretrovirals,' which are used to treat and prevent HIV infection. It helps lower the risk of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related conditions, such as cancer and severe infections. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide contains two active ingredients: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir alafenamide. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, while Tenofovir alafenamide is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. These medications block the reverse transcriptase enzymes' function, essential for replicating the virus. Together, these medications help manage HIV infection. Additionally, when taken daily and combined with safe sex practices, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide can reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV-1.
Directions for Use
Take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide with food or as advised by your doctor. Swallow Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide as a whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Leg weakness
- Tingling or burning sensations in the hands or feet
Drug Warnings
Do not use Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide if you are allergic to any of its components. Always practice safe sex and take other necessary precautions, as Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases. While using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, it is important to have regular blood and urine tests. If you experience any symptoms of infection or inflammation, contact your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, as it is not known how this medication may affect the unborn child or pregnancy. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for children weighing less than 25 kg. Avoid breastfeeding while using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, as it may pass into breast milk. Additionally, inform your doctor if you have a history of hepatitis B, any kidney, liver, or bone issues, or if you are over 65 years old. A regular bone density test is advised while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, as it may cause bone problems such as soft, thin bones and bone pain.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may interact with certain medications, including antivirals (acyclovir, adefovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, cidofovir), antifungals (amphotericin B), antimicrobials (pentamidine), antibiotics (vancomycin), anticancer drugs (interleukin-2), immunosuppressants (tacrolimus), and anticonvulsants (phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have medical conditions such as hepatitis B (a viral infection that affects the liver), hemodialysis (a procedure that filters waste from the blood when the kidneys fail), or other liver, kidney, or bone problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether alcohol interacts with Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, as it is not known how Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may affect the unborn child or pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, as it may pass into breast milk.
Driving
cautionEmtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may cause dizziness. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until you are fully alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide if you have a liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide if you have kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
consult your doctorEmtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is not recommended for children weighing less than 25 kg. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the safety of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide in this age group.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy and well-rounded diet, focusing on nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables to strengthen your immune system. For optimal health, choose lean protein sources and whole grains.
- Ensure that meat is fully cooked, drink clean, safe water, and avoid consuming raw eggs, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations such as those for pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19, and consult your doctor about any additional vaccines you may need. Avoid vaccines that contain live viruses.
- Remember to wash your hands after handling pets or cleaning litter boxes to prevent infections.
- Practice safe sex by using condoms to minimize exposure to semen and vaginal fluids.
- Do not share personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes that may have come into contact with body fluids or blood.
Special Advise
- If you are taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, regular tests for kidney and liver function and bone mineral density are advised.
- Be sure to inform the person conducting tests that you are using Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, as it may influence the results.
- You are recommended to get an HIV test every three months.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system by targeting and destroying white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. As a result, individuals with HIV become more vulnerable to other diseases. Common early symptoms of HIV include flu-like signs such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle pain, fatigue, and sore throat, which can last from a few days to several weeks. The virus spreads through bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition with no cure. However, with the use of antiretroviral therapy, HIV can be effectively managed and controlled.
FAQs
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is an antiretroviral medicine used to treat and prevent HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It helps lower the risk of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related conditions, including cancer and severe infections. Additionally, when taken daily and combined with safe sex practices, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide can reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV-1.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide is a combination of two medications: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir alafenamide. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, while Tenofovir alafenamide is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase enzymes, which are essential for the virus to replicate. Together, these medications work to treat and prevent HIV infection.
The common side effects of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide include headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, leg weakness, and tingling or burning sensations in the hands or feet. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
HIV-negative patients can take Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide to lower the chance of getting an HIV infection if prescribed by a doctor. Before starting the treatment, you should have a negative HIV test. While taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, regular HIV tests (at least every 3 months) are advised.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may cause lactic acidosis (an excess of lactic acid in the blood), a rare but severe side effect, especially in women who are obese and people with liver disease. Please consult a doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, or deep, rapid breathing while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide does not cure HIV infection. However, Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide helps lower the risk of developing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other HIV-related conditions, including cancer and severe infections.
Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide may cause bone problems, such as soft bones, thin bones, and bone pain. Regular bone density tests are advised while taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide. For good bone health, take calcium and vitamin D supplements as advised by your doctor.
If you forget to take a dose of Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Missing doses can reduce the effectiveness of this medication and may lead to the development of drug resistance, raising the risk of acquiring HIV.
Do not stop taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide without consulting your doctor, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Continue taking Emtricitabine+tenofovir Alafenamide for the duration prescribed by your doctor.
