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Truvada
  • Treatments
  • HIV Infection

Truvada

Generic name:emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarateEM-trye-SYE-ta-been-and-ten-OF-oh-vir ]
Drug class:Antiviral combinations

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Apr 1, 2021.

What is Truvada?

Truvada contains a combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it can be used to treat HIV in adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 17 kilograms (37 pounds).

Truvada is also used in children who weigh between 55 and 77 pounds (25 to 35 kilograms) and who take certain other HIV medications.

Truvada PrEP is used together with safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. You must be HIV-negative and an adult to use Truvada PrEP for this purpose.

Warnings

Do not take Truvada if you also take other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir.

Truvada PrEP is used to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV in adults who are HIV-negative. This medicine alone will not protect you from infection with HIV. You must also use safer sex practices and get tested for HIV at least every 3 months.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tir...