Emtricitabine/tenofovir

Combination antiretroviral medication

Emtricitabine/tenofovir, sold under the brand name Truvada among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. It contains two active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil.

Medical uses

Emtricitabine/tenofovir is primarily used in the treatment of HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is also used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection in high-risk individuals.

HIV treatment

In the treatment of HIV, emtricitabine/tenofovir is used as part of a combination therapy. It works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for the replication of HIV. This helps to lower the viral load in the body and maintain the function of the immune system.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

For PrEP, emtricitabine/tenofovir is taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent infection. It is particularly recommended for those at high risk, such as individuals with an HIV-positive partner, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men.

Side effects

Common side effects of emtricitabine/tenofovir include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include kidney problems, bone loss, and lactic acidosis. Regular monitoring of kidney function and bone density is recommended for individuals on long-term therapy.

Mechanism of action

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Emtricitabine/tenofovir chemical structure

Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They work by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate its genetic material and multiply. By inhibiting this enzyme, the drugs prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body.

History

Emtricitabine/tenofovir was approved for medical use in the United States in 2004. It was one of the first medications approved for PrEP, significantly impacting the prevention of HIV transmission.

Society and culture

Emtricitabine/tenofovir is marketed under the brand name Truvada, among others. It has played a significant role in the global effort to combat HIV/AIDS, both in treatment and prevention.

Truvada tablets

Related pages

• HIV/AIDS
• Antiretroviral drug
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis
• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor