Emtifovir

• HIV Infection: Used for the treatment and control of HIV-1 infection.
• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Used to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, a diester prodrug of tenofovir, is rapidly converted to tenofovir, an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate (nucleotide) analogue of adenosine 5'-monophosphate while emtricitabine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue of cytidine. Both emtricitabine and tenofovir inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, resulting in DNA chain termination.

Adult Dose:

• HIV-1 infection & Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: 1 tablet once daily with food.
• Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary in moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment.

Renal Dose:

• CrCl 30-49 mL/min: 1 tablet every 48 hours.
• CrCl <30 mL/min: Not recommended.
• Haemodialysis patients: Not recommended.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash

Other Side Effects:

• Trouble sleeping
• Osteoporosis (bone loss with long-term use)
• Weight gain
• Muscle pain

Use in Pregnancy: Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Use under medical supervision.

Precautions:

• Emtricitabine + Tenofovir disoproxil may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• Take with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
• 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 this medicine.
• 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.
• Let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney disease or bone problems.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

Overdose: Limited information is available on overdose. Overdose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, fatigue. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention and symptomatic treatment.

Storage: Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.