Have you been told by a doctor that you have HIV or are at risk of contracting it? Or are you interested in PrEP, a treatment used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV? If so, you may have been prescribed a pill that is a combination of two drugs: Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide. Today, we will talk about this important medicine in a very simple and understandable way.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a medicine used for two main purposes.
1. To control HIV infection: If you are already infected with HIV, this medicine helps control the symptoms.
2. For PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): This is preventive treatment. This means that a person who is at risk of HIV infection can use this medicine to protect themselves from contracting HIV through sexual intercourse.
This medicine contains two types of drugs from a group called ``antiretrovirals.'' These work by limiting the spread of the HIV virus in the body.
But remember this: This is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Also, even while you are taking this medicine, you can still pass the HIV virus to others. That's why it's important to follow safe methods. This medicine also doesn't prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
For your safety, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting this medication.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have an allergy to Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, or any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon .
- If you are a nursing mother .
This information will help your doctor plan your treatment accurately.
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine is a tablet to take by mouth. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach discomfort, it is better to take it with a meal.
The most important thing is that to get the most out of this treatment, it is extremely important to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the right time, and without skipping a single dose . If you skip doses, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and other medicines (meaning the medicine will not work as well). Therefore, continue taking this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with others for any reason.
What to do if you 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.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Some medications may interact with this medicine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. See the table below.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Do not take with these at all | |
| Adefovir | This is a medicine given for other viral infections. |
| Other medications containing Emtricitabine or Tenofovir | Since you are already taking this medication, taking other medications containing the same ingredients may increase your dose. |
| Other medicines containing Lamivudine | This is also another medicine given for HIV and Hepatitis B. |
| Other medications that may cause problems (inform the doctor) | |
| Some antibiotics | Eg: Rifabutin, Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| Seizure medications | Ex: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Drugs for other viral infections | Ex: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Ganciclovir |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Medications like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac. |
| St. John's Wort | This is an herbal supplement. |
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, herbal products, and vitamins you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Keep in touch with your doctor regularly. Go to the clinics on the scheduled dates. If you develop any new symptoms, talk about them. While taking this medicine, you will need to have some important blood tests to check things like your kidney and liver function.
- Be careful with Hepatitis B: If you also have Hepatitis B, be sure to talk to your doctor before stopping this medication, as stopping this medication can suddenly worsen Hepatitis B symptoms.
- Preventing the spread of HIV: HIV is transmitted sexually or through blood. Talk openly with your doctor about safe ways to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| 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. |
| Increased lactic acid levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, extreme 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. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, or sore throat. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome) | |
| Diarrhea | Stomach bloating |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medicine.
We hope this information has been helpful to you. Remember, if you have any further questions about this medication, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- This medication is a combination of two drugs used to control HIV infection and prevent it from getting transmitted (PrEP).
- While this is not a complete cure for HIV, it is still very important to follow safe practices.
- Never skip a dose of medication. It can cause the virus to become resistant to the medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as skin rash, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.
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