| Brand Name | Truvada |
| Packaging Type | Bottle |
| Molecule | Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate |
| Generic Name | Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate |
| Manufactured By | Gilead Sciences |
| Quantity | 30 Tablets |
| Form | Tablet |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Categories | HIV |
What is Truvada?
Truvada Tablets are an antiviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV-1 infection. Containing a combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Truvada is a powerful medication for managing HIV.
These two active ingredients belong to a class of medicines called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by blocking the enzyme HIV uses to replicate.
Manufactured for use in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV treatment, Truvada drugs help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 and control the progression of the virus in infected individuals. It is not a cure for HIV/AIDS but is effective in managing viral load and improving immune system function when taken as directed.
How It Works
Truvada’s two active ingredients, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, blockl reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for HIV to multiply and spread.
- For PrEP: Truvada prevents the virus from taking hold in the body when exposed, reducing the risk of HIV infection.
- For Treatment: In combination with other HIV medications, it lowers the viral load (amount of HIV in the blood) and increases CD4+ T cell count, helping the immune system fight infections.
It does not cure HIV infection or AIDS, but it can prevent damage to the immune system and the development of illnesses and diseases associated with AIDS.
what is Truvada used for :
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Prevents HIV-1 infection in adults and teenagers weighing at least 77 pounds (35 kg).
- HIV-1 Treatment: Treats HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Effective for adults and teenagers weighing at least 37 pounds (17 kg).
Truvada 200 mg/300 mg Tablet prevents HIV from multiplying in your body. It helps control the infection and makes your immune system work better. This lowers your chances of getting complications such as new infections and improves your quality of life.
Dosage and Administration
- Dosage: Typically, one tablet daily or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- How to Take: Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double up.
- Consistency: Take Truvada medication at the same time each day to maintain steady drug levels in your body.
Truvada side effects :
While Truvada is effective, some individuals may experience side effects.
Common Side Effects of Truvada
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Depression
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Weakness
- Allergic reaction
- Abnormal dreams
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Increased transaminase level in blood
- Elevated levels of serum amylase
- Increased lipase in the blood
- Elevated creatinine kinase
Precautions
- Do not take Truvada if the patient is pregnant it may harm the baby.
- Avoid taking PrEP Truvada while breastfeeding.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can lead to the risk of side effects of the Truvada.
- Do not smoke while taking Truvada, as it can make the medicine less effective.
- If the patient has liver or kidney issues, consult the patient's doctor before taking this medication.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while on Truvada medicine, as it can change how it works.
- Use condoms and other preventive measures to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as Truvada does not protect against other STIs.
Drug Interactions
Truvada can interact with other medications and reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Avoid combining Truvada with medications containing:
- Emtricitabine
- Tenofovir
- Lamivudine
- Adefovir
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- seizure medicine - carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital; or other antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV.
Warning
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking.
Truvada vs Ricovir-EM
| Feature | Truvada | Ricovir-EM |
| Active Ingredients | Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) + Emtricitabine | Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) + Emtricitabine |
| Indication | HIV prevention (PrEP) and HIV treatment | HIV prevention (PrEP) and HIV treatment |
| FDA Approval | Approved in 2012 | Not FDA-approved; generic equivalent of Truvada |
| Efficacy | Proven highly effective for preventing HIV | Comparable efficacy to Truvada |
| Safety Profile | May cause minor reductions in bone density and affect kidney function | Similar safety concerns as Truvada due to identical formulation |
| Cost | Higher, though generics have reduced costs recently | More affordable, as it is a generic version |
| Approval for PrEP | Approved in the U.S., EU, and other major markets | Not officially approved in the U.S. for PrEP but used off-label |
| Use in Populations | Effective for all genders, including cisgender women | Same as Truvada |
Truvada is used for HIV treatment and prevention. It helps control HIV in combination with other antiretroviral medications and is also used as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection.
Truvada is prescribed for treating HIV in people with confirmed infection and as PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV in high-risk individuals.
For PrEP, Truvada becomes effective after 7 days of daily use for rectal protection and around 20 days for vaginal and blood protection.
Yes, generic versions of Truvada are as effective as the brand-name drug, as they contain the same active ingredients.
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Truvada, but some individuals may experience changes in body fat distribution.
No, Truvada is not intended for recreational use. It is a prescription medication for HIV prevention and treatment.
Truvada is primarily used as PrEP. However, it may also be used as part of PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) when combined with other antiretrovirals.
Both are used for PrEP, but Descovy has a different formulation, is smaller in size, and may have a lower risk of kidney and bone side effects compared to Truvada.
