Generic Name: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + emtricitabine
Pronunciation: true-VAH-duh
Abbreviation: TDF + FTC
Drug Class: Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
Company: Gilead Sciences
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: Yes
Drug Indication
Truvada is a coformulation containing tenofovir disiproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) and emtricitabine.
It is a component of recommended regimens for HIV treatment, as indicated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Visit https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv-guidelines/0 for the full DHHS guidelines.
Truvada is also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative men, women and transgender individuals at risk for sexually acquired HIV. CDC PrEP guidelines, updated in 2021, can be accessed here:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/risk/prep/cdc-hiv-prep-guidelines-2021.pdf
General Info
Truvada combines two drugs: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (sold separately as Viread or generics) and emtricitabine (sold separately as Emtriva). Both drugs are in a category of HIV medicines called nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Truvada was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV in August 2004, and for use as PrEP to prevent HIV in July 2012. A generic version became available in the U.S. in October 2020.
As HIV treatment, Truvada must be used in combination with other HIV drugs.
As PrEP, Truvada should be used in combination with risk-reduction counseling, correct and consistent condom use, regular HIV testing and screening for and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections.
Dosage
Adult Dose: One tablet once a day. Each tablet contains 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + 200 mg emtricitabine.
Pediatric Dose:
Dosages for children and adolescents are based on weight:
37lbs (17kg) – 48lbs (22kg): One tablet containing 150 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + 100 mg emtricitabine once a day.
48lbs (22kg) – 61lbs (28kg): One tablet containing 200 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + 133 mg emtricitabine once a day.
61lbs (28kg) – 77lbs (35kg): One tablet containing 250 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + 167 mg emtricitabine once a day.
Dosing Info: Take with or without food.
Side Effects
Common side effects among people using Truvada as a component of a treatment regimen include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, insomnia, abnormal dreams and skin rash.
Truvada may lead to new or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidney function before and during treatment. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to make changes to your regimen.
Truvada may lead to bone problems, including bones getting thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.
If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) and take Truvada, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking it. Do not do so without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Potentially serious side effects may include new or worsening liver problems and lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual symptoms including abdominal pain, weakness or tiredness, shortness of breath or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Drug Interactions
For a review of drug interactions, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements that should not be taken with Truvada, consult the Truvada package insert.
Other Info
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease (including hepatitis B or C). In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; if you are breast feeding, and all your medical conditions, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.
For More Info: http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/hiv/truvada/truvada_pi.PDF
Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Last Reviewed: December 20, 2021
