Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide

Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide (also known as E/R/TAF) is a fixed-dose combination of three antiretroviral drugs used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. This combination drug is marketed under the brand name Odefsey by Gilead Sciences.

Composition

E/R/TAF is composed of three active ingredients: emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), while rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).

Mechanism of Action

The three active ingredients in E/R/TAF work together to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus in the body. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that the virus uses to replicate its genetic material. Rilpivirine also inhibits reverse transcriptase, but in a different way than the NRTIs.

Usage

E/R/TAF is used as part of combination therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. It is taken orally once a day, with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects of E/R/TAF include headache, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Serious side effects can include liver problems, depression or mood changes, and changes in the immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome).

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Gilead Sciences