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EMTRICITABINE; TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE (em tri SIT uh bean; teh NOH foh veer dye soh PROK sil FYOO mah rate) helps manage the symptoms of HIV infection. It may also be used for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which helps lower the risk of getting HIV through sex. It works by limiting the spread of HIV in the body. It is a combination of two antiretroviral medications. This medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and it may still be possible to spread HIV to others while taking it. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Adefovir
-Any medication that contains emtricitabine or tenofovir
-Any medication that contains lamivudine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Atazanavir
-Didanosine, ddI
-Lopinavir; ritonavir
-Medications for viral infections, such as cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, or valganciclovir
-Saquinavir
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. If you have HIV and hepatitis B, the symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health for several months after treatment is stopped.
Using this medication for a long time may weaken your bones. The risk of bone fractures may be increased. Talk to your care team about your bone health.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
-Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
-Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Diarrhea
-Dizziness
-Fatigue
-Headache
-Nausea
-Trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature (25 degrees C [77 degrees F]). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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