Tenofovir/emtricitabine

Tenofovir/emtricitabine is a medication used for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs, tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine, both of which interfere with the virus's ability to replicate in the body.

Composition

Tenofovir/emtricitabine is a fixed-dose combination of two antiretroviral drugs: tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine. Tenofovir disoproxil is a prodrug of tenofovir, an analogue of adenosine 5'-monophosphate, while emtricitabine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue of cytidine.

Mechanism of Action

Both tenofovir and emtricitabine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They work by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate its genetic material. By blocking this enzyme, the drugs prevent the virus from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in the body.

Uses

Tenofovir/emtricitabine is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It is also used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in adults at high risk.

Side Effects

Common side effects of tenofovir/emtricitabine include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and rash. Serious side effects may include lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, and post treatment acute exacerbation of hepatitis B.

Contraindications

Tenofovir/emtricitabine is contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to any of the components of the products.

Drug Interactions

Tenofovir/emtricitabine may interact with other drugs, including other antiretroviral drugs, antacids, and drugs metabolized by the kidneys. It is important to inform healthcare providers of all medications being taken to avoid potential drug interactions.