Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil

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.