Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil
Use emtricitabine/tenofovir to lower the risk of getting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).





Prices from £78.00
In stock. Simply fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a suitable treatment. How to Order
-
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil tablets contain 2 active ingredients, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. The tablets are used to reduce the chance of getting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in those who are at risk. This treatment is known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). The usual dose is 1 tablet every day, with food.
Prices
30 tablets - £78.00
60 tablets - £150.00
90 tablets - £215.00




About emtricitabine/tenofovir disporoxil
What is emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil?
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil is a medication used to reduce the chance of getting HIV, for those who are at risk. This is known as PrEP treatment.
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil contains 2 active ingredients, which are emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. In the UK, emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil is the most commonly used PrEP treatment. This is an unbranded medication. You may also find the same treatment under the branded name of Truvada.
You may be more at risk of getting HIV if:
- you have sex with someone who has HIV and is not treated, or their viral load is detectable
- you share needles to inject drugs
- you are a sex worker
- get STIs (sexually transmitted infections) regularly
If you have sex with someone without a condom, and you are not sure about their HIV status, you might be at a more risk if you are:
- a man who has sex with men
- a transgender person who has sex with men
- a woman who has sex with bisexual people
- having sex with someone from a country with a high rate of HIV
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil can also be used with other medications to treat HIV. Asda Online Doctor does not prescribe medication for HIV treatment if you are HIV positive.
How does emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil work?
The active ingredients within emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil) are antiretroviral medicines. This means they can stop viruses from multiplying and spreading in the body.
-
-
Yes, you will need to have some tests before taking this medication. These should be done no more than 4 weeks before you start and include:
- an HIV test (it is important to know that you are HIV negative before starting PrEP)
- kidney function tests (PrEP can affect your kidneys)
- tests for Hepatitis B and C
If you have already had unprotected sex before starting PrEP you need to wait for at least 4 weeks after this before taking an HIV test, to make sure this is negative. Some tests give accurate results after different times, so check with a doctor if you are not sure.
It is recommended to have a full test for other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
You should also test for HIV and other STIs every 3 months while taking PrEP to make sure you are still HIV negative, as well as having a kidney test at least once a year.
We offer 2 combinations of test kits which you can use before taking emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil for the first time. We also offer 2 combinations of test kits for those who are currently taking emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil . Speak to one of our doctors for more information.
-
-
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil should be taken once a day, every day, with food if possible. It’s best to take this at the same time every day. This is called daily dosing. There are other ways to take PrEP, like On Demand dosing. You can find out more about these through your sexual health clinic.
If you vomit (be sick) less than an hour after taking a tablet, you should take another tablet. If you vomit more than an hour after taking a tablet, you do not need to take another. If you take more emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil than you should, speak to a doctor straight away, you can call 111 or go to your nearest sexual health clinic.
It is very important to not miss a dose of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil. If you miss a dose, you are at a higher risk of getting HIV. If you do miss a dose and it has been less than 12 hours, take the dose as soon as you can, then continue as normal. If it has been over 12 hours, miss that dose and wait till your next dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. If you have missed a dose, practicing safe sex methods can help reduce your chance of getting HIV.
It can take 7 days for PrEP to start working, so you should use other protection, like condoms before this time. If you want to stop using PrEP it is best to speak to your doctor first so they can advise how to do this safely.
-
-
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil is not suitable if you take some medications. You should speak to your doctor before using this treatment if you take:
- medication for viral, bacterial, or fungal infections (like ganciclovir, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides)
- interleukin-2 (cancer treatment)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (used to relieve muscle or bone pains)
- medication to treat hepatitis C (like ledipasvir/sofosbuvir
You must not take emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil if you take any other medicines containing the same active ingredients, or other antiviral medications containing alafenamide, adefovir dipivoxil, tenofovir, or lamivudine.
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil can have some serious side effects, including:
- excess lactic acid in the blood (may cause stomach pain, drowsiness, or rapid breathing)
- autoimmune disorders (can cause muscle weakness, hyperactivity, or palpitations)
If you notice any of these symptoms, you must go to A&E or call 999 straight away.
Common side effects include:
- dizziness
- headaches
- feeling weak
- diarrhoea
- nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
- trouble sleeping
- stomach pain
- bloating
- wind
- rashes
- allergic reactions, such as swelling or wheezing
- a reduction in white blood cells
Uncommon side effects include:
- swelling in the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- muscle pain or weakness
- inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the stomach
- a reduction in red blood cells (anaemia)
- changes to your urine
Rare side effects include:
- fatty liver
- inflammation of the liver, which may cause pain in the stomach, itching, and yellow skin
- bone pain or increased fractures
- kidney problems
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil can also cause dizziness, so do not drive or use heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. If you notice any serious side effects, or your side effects do not go away after you have used the treatment for a few days, speak to your doctor. For further information on side effects, see the patient information leaflet.
Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil can affect your kidneys. If you have severe kidney disease or are currently on dialysis, this treatment is not recommended.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil. If you have an intolerance to sugars, speak to your doctor as emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil contains lactose.

Dr Kathryn Basford is a qualified GP who works as a GP in London, as well as with ZAVA. She graduated from the University of Manchester and completed her GP training through Whipps Cross Hospital in London.
Meet our doctorsArticle created: 28 Sep 2021
Last reviewed: 28 Sep 2021
-
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil Mylan 200 mg/245 mg film coated tablets (2021) EMC (accessed 16 September 2021)
-
HIV and AIDS (2021) NHS (accessed 16 September 2021)
-
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (2021) HIV.gov (accessed 16 September 2021)
-
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) (2021) CDC (accessed 16 September 2021)
-
Single Dose Truvada in HIV-negative Men and Women (2012) ClinicalTrials.gov (accessed 16 September 2021)


GMC: 7074021

GMC: 6149061

GMC: 7085115

