The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is prescribed in conjunction with other forms of medication to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This combination medication is also prescribed as a preventative measure, along with safe sex practices like condom use, against HIV infections in high-risk adults and teenagers.

This medication is not a cure for an existing HIV infection or AIDS. It lowers levels of the human immunodeficiency virus in the body to prevent serious illness and the development of AIDS. It cannot be used to prevent the spreading of an HIV infection to others.

The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is prescribed in conjunction with other medications as a treatment for an infection of HIV. It is prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is used to reduce the risk of developing serious health complications caused by a destroyed immune system. This medication can also help patients diagnosed with HIV slow the virus’ effect on the immune system, reducing the risk of HIV developing into AIDS. In addition, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is prescribed to prevent an infection of HIV in at-risk populations.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that damages your body’s immune system. HIV is transmitted through sexual contact or contact with infected blood. Pregnant women may pass this disease to their unborn child, or through breastfeeding. HIV is the early stage of the infection that may progress to become AIDS. If left untreated, HIV usually develops into AIDS within 8-10 months - once the virus has severely damaged the immune system.

HIV/ AIDS dramatically affects your body’s ability to fight infection. Individuals managing AIDS may become fatally ill from a disease that causes mild symptoms in healthy individuals.

Deaths caused by HIV/ AIDS have decreased in the last 10-20 years, however, the disease is still deadly if left untreated. Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate help patients diagnosed with HIV prevent these complications from occurring.

The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). These drugs work by blocking the action of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the reproduction of HIV. By inhibiting this enzyme, NRTIs slow the multiplication of HIV in the body – which ultimately lowers the overall level of HIV in the blood.

It is important to note that this combination medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It is also usually prescribed along with other medications. A health care provider will detail a comprehensive treatment plan including emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, which should be followed exactly to prevent the infection from worsening.

This combination medication has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Common side effects reported from emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate use include:

• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Insomnia
  
• Chills
  
• Body aches
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Fever
  
• Reddened or tender skin
  
• Pain or tingling in the hands and/ or feet
  
• Heartburn
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weakness
  
• Weight loss
  

More serious side effects include:

• Swelling
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Changes in urination frequency
  
• Pain during urination
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Flu-like symptoms
  
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
  
• Muscle pain
  
• Changes in heartbeat
  
• Dizziness
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Rash/ blistering
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Kidney or liver problems
  

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a serious adverse reaction to this medication and require treatment right away.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Specifically, you should inform your health care provider of any antiviral, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), or anti-HIV/ AIDS medication you are taking. Be sure to mention any herbal products you are using, especially St. John’s wort.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication.

The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is commonly supplied as an oral tablet to be taken once a day. Do not crush or chew this medication. Swallow the oral tablet whole. Emtricitabine and tenofovir can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions for proper ingestion.

The exact dosage of this medication will depend on the patient’s age and body weight. In some cases, the preliminary dosage may be adjusted based on need. Take the medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your health care provider first.

You must follow the full course of treatment with this medication. Do not stop using it, even if you or your child begin to feel better.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not this medication is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.