What is Truvada?
Truvada is a fixed-dose medication that combines both emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
Truvada belongs to the HIV nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) family of medications.
This medication can be used to help reduce the chances of being infected by HIV in:
- HIV-1 negative men who have sex with men, who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex
- Male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not.  Â
This is sometimes called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP.Â
Truvada is also used to treat HIV infections, in combination with other anti-HIV medications.
Truvada is for adults ages 18 and older. For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Truvada, please review the product monograph.Â
How does Truvada work?
Because Truvada is a fixed-dose combination medication, each of its two ingredients (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) affect the body slightly differently.
Both medications bond to plasma proteins within the body, and help to protect against HIV-1 infections by blocking HIV reverse transcriptase, which is an enzyme needed by HIV to multiply within your body.
When used with safer sex practices, Truvada may help to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection, Truvada works better to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when the medicines are in your bloodstream before you are exposed to HIV-1. Â
When used with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, Truvada helps block HIV reverse transcriptase, a chemical in your body (enzyme) that is needed for HIV to multiply.Â
Truvada also lowers the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load). Lowering the amount of HIV in the blood lowers the chance of infections that happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).Â
What is Truvada used to treat?
Truvada is indicated for use as a PrEP medication, to help reduce the chances of HIV-1 infection, when used with safer sex practices.
It’s also used as a treatment for adults that are infected with HIV-1, in combination with other anti-HIV medications.
How do you take Truvada?
Truvada is available as an oral tablet, which is to be taken daily, either with or without food.
The dosing schedule is the same, regardless of whether it’s being used as a preventative HIV PrEP measure, or as an ongoing HIV-1 treatment.
If you take Truvada to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1, you must also use other methods to reduce your risk of getting HIV. Take Truvada every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.Â
Taking more than the recommended dosage will not offer additional protection. You should always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare practitioner, so that your Truvada treatments are as effective as possible.
Just taking Truvada may not keep you from getting HIV. Truvada is not 100% effective at preventing HIV exposure.
Avoid doing things that can increase your risk of getting HIV infection or spreading HIV infection to other people:
- Do not re-use or share needles or other injection equipment.  Â
- Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. Â
- Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vagina secretions, or blood.Â
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent getting HIV infection or spreading HIV infection to other people.Â
How long does Truvada last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Truvada?
The most side effects from taking Truvada include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache Â
Other side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Sleeping problems
- Abnormal dreams
- Weakness
- Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat)
- Rash Â
- Flatulence (intestinal gas)
- Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles)Â
You should contact your healthcare practitioner right away if you start to experience:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Sweating (especially at night)
- Rashes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint or muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Enlarged lymph nodes (in the neck or groin)
Your practitioner might suggest an alternative PrEP medication or HIV-1 treatment, if you’re experiencing any of these negative side effects.
Who shouldn't take Truvada?
While Truvada is largely safe for use among most adults, there are some people who shouldn’t use Truvada, such as:
- People over the age of 65
- People under the age of 18
- People who have shown an intolerance or allergic reaction to any of Truvada’s ingredients
- People who are looking for HIV protection, but are already infected with the virus or don’t know their HIV infection status
- People already taking Hepsera
In addition to these people, there are others that should be sure to talk to their healthcare practitioner before starting a Truvada prescription, such as:
- People who have or are at risk for bone disease or bone related issues
- People taking other anti-HIV medications that could have the same ingredients as Truvada
- People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- People who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- People who have other medical conditions relating to their kidneys, liver, or bone
- People taking other medications that may affect their kidneys and who have not discussed this with their healthcare professional. Â
- People taking didanosine
Your healthcare practitioner will be able to ensure that you can safely take Truvada, or they may suggest alternative PrEP or HIV-1 treatments, based on your individual needs.
Further reading
