Emtricitabine+Tenofovir is used in combination with other medicines to treat viral infections for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Take Emtricitabine+Tenofovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine consistently either always with food or always without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are unable to swallow the tablet, it can be dispersed in 100ml of water, orange juice or grape juice and taken immediately.
You may need to take Emtricitabine+Tenofovir for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Continue to take this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, swollen eyes, mouth or breathlessness) to Emtricitabine or Tenofovir.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- hepatitis B or C
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir does not reduce your risk of passing the HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading the HIV infection to others.
In addition, while undergoing treatment you may continue to develop other infections or experience other health problems related to your HIV infection. Always keep you doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed checkups.
If you have both HIV infection and hepatitis B infection, do not stop taking this medicine without discussing with your doctor as your hepatitis B infection may worsen. Your doctor may order regular blood tests for you for several months after stopping Emtricitabine+Tenofovir to make sure your hepatitis B infection is under control.
Emtricitabine+Tenofovir may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, stomach wind, rash, weakness, difficulty sleeping and abnormal dreams.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- aches and pains, joint stiffness and difficulty in movement
- redistribution of body fat that may change the way your body looks
- stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and weakness affecting your motion
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used to treat viral infections e.g. ganciclovir or valganciclovir
- other medicines for HIV or AIDS e.g. didanosine, lopinavir, ritonavir
- medicines used to treat hepatitis e.g. alpha interferon and ribavarin
- medicines to treat protozoal infections e.g. pentamidine
This ist does not include all medicines that may interact with Emtricitabine+Tenofovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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