![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 124px 36px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 22px 22px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24px 24px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
INFORMATION ABOUT EMTRICITABINE + TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Uses
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is used in the treatment of HIV infection.
How Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate works
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a combination of two anti-HIV medicines: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. They prevent HIV (virus) from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in your body. They also increase the CD4 cell (white blood cells that protect against infection) count in your blood.
Common side effects of Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Nausea, Diarrhea, Headache, Depression, Rash, Dizziness, Fatigue, Vomiting, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Weakness, Allergic reaction, Abnormal dreams, Decreased phosphate level in blood, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Increased triglyceride level in blood, Abdominal pain, Weight loss, Increased transaminase level in blood, Increased glucose level in blood, Elevated levels of serum amylase, Increased lipase in the blood, Elevated creatinine kinase
CONTENT DETAILS
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 48 48"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
27 Apr 2023 | 06:01 AM (UTC)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 90px 75px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy
Medicine brands for Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Expert advice for Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a combination of two medicines which slows down or stops the progression of HIV infections.
- It may also be used for preventing HIV and should be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
- Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
- Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Skipping doses increases the risk of treatment failure. Make sure that you take all your doses at the correct time.
- Always practice safe sex while taking Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
- It may cause weakening of your bones. Exercise regularly and take calcium and vitamin D supplements as suggested by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a combination of two medicines that belong to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better.
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate works by blocking the function of an enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, which is responsible for the HIV replication process. This helps to reduce the level of HIV in the blood.
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
The use of Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. In this, one may experience fever, skin rash, nausea, vomit, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, severe tiredness and headache. Other symptoms of hypersensitivity may include joint or muscle pain, swelling of the neck, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough and occasionally inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis), mouth ulcers, low blood pressure, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms and stop taking Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate immediately.
If you forget a dose of Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.