Emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz

Emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz is a medication used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It is a combination of three antiretroviral drugs: emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil, and efavirenz. This combination therapy is often referred to as a "triple therapy" and is recommended by the World Health Organization for initial treatment of HIV infection.

Composition

The medication is composed of three active ingredients:

• Emtricitabine: A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that interferes with the replication of the HIV virus.
• Tenofovir disoproxil: Another NRTI that works in a similar way to emtricitabine.
• Efavirenz: A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that also inhibits the replication of the HIV virus.

Usage

Emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz is used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV infection. It is typically used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to prevent the virus from replicating and spreading in the body.

Side Effects

Common side effects of emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. More serious side effects may include lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly, and lipodystrophy.

Precautions

Patients with a history of hepatitis B or hepatitis C should inform their doctor before starting treatment with emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz, as these conditions can worsen with the use of this medication.

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor