Emtricitabine/tenofovir
Combination antiretroviral medication
Emtricitabine/tenofovir is a combination antiretroviral medication used in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It is a fixed-dose combination of two antiretroviral drugs: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. This combination is commonly marketed under the brand name Truvada, among others.
Medical uses[edit | edit source]
Emtricitabine/tenofovir is primarily used in the treatment of HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is also used as a part of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV in high-risk populations.
Treatment of HIV[edit | edit source]
In the treatment of HIV, emtricitabine/tenofovir is used as part of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. It works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for the replication of HIV.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)[edit | edit source]
For PrEP, emtricitabine/tenofovir is taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent infection. Clinical trials have shown that when taken consistently, it significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission.
Mechanism of action[edit | edit source]
Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil are both reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), while tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI). They work by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs to replicate its genetic material and multiply.
Side effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of emtricitabine/tenofovir include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Long-term use may lead to kidney problems and bone density loss. Regular monitoring of kidney function and bone health is recommended for patients on this medication.
History[edit | edit source]
Emtricitabine/tenofovir was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 for the treatment of HIV. In 2012, it was approved for use as PrEP, marking a significant advancement in HIV prevention strategies.
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References[edit | edit source]
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