Has your doctor prescribed this medication for you or someone you know to control the symptoms of HIV infection, or as a pre-exposure prophylaxis ( PrEP ) treatment to prevent HIV infection ? This medication contains two drugs called Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. So today, let's talk about this medication, how to use it, what to be careful about, and the possible side effects in a simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine works by limiting the spread of the HIV virus in the body. It is a combination of two types of antiretroviral medications . It is used for two main purposes:
1. Manage the symptoms of someone already infected with HIV and control the virus.
2. As a treatment to reduce the risk of HIV infection and prevent sexual transmission. This is what we call PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) .
But it's important to remember this: This medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It is possible to pass the HIV virus to someone else while taking this medicine. It also does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ).
This medicine can also be used for other purposes, so if you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you start using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.
- If you have bone problems.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine is a tablet to take by mouth. Do not crush or chew the tablet like chewing gum . Swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach discomfort, it is best to take it with food.
The most important thing is, do not skip a dose for any reason . For your treatment to be effective, you must take your medicine every day, exactly as your doctor has prescribed. If you skip your dose, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and other medicines. This means that the medicine may stop working in the future. Continue taking this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including herbs, vitamins, and supplements.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken with this medicine | |
| |
| Other medications that should be reported to the doctor as they may interact | |
|
This list is not complete, so it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking (including smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs).
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will check you regularly. He or she will also order some important blood tests. Do not skip these tests.
- Preventing the spread of HIV: HIV can be spread to others through sexual contact or blood. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to prevent this.
- Hepatitis B risk: If you have hepatitis B infection, talk to your doctor before stopping this medication, as hepatitis B symptoms may worsen when you stop taking this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bone pain | Pain in the bones. |
| High lactic acid levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, general discomfort, and fatigue. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Various features | Diarrhea, Dizziness, Fatigue, Headache, Nausea, Trouble sleeping. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine helps control HIV infection or prevent it (PrEP), but it is not a complete cure.
- For your treatment to be successful, never skip a dose of medication .
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- Watch for signs of serious side effects involving the kidneys, liver, or bones. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- Store your medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children. Throw away after it has expired.
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