Truvada
Truvada Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Truvada is a brand name. Its generic name is Emtricitabine + Tenofovir.
Introduction
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Emtricitabine-Tenofovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and is a combination of two active ingredients: emtricitabine, also known as FTC, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, also known as TDF.
Uses For
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It helps to reduce the amount of HIV in the body so the immune system can work better. It is used in combination with other HIV medications. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is not a cure for HIV infection.
Mechanism of Action
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir works by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme necessary for the HIV virus to reproduce. The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir interferes with reverse transcriptase so that HIV cannot reproduce and spread in the body.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
It may take up to several weeks for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir to begin working. During this time, the amount of virus in the body may increase before it starts to decrease. It is important to keep taking the medication as prescribed, even if there is no immediate benefit.
Absorption
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It takes from 2 to 4 hours to reach peak plasma concentrations.
Route of Elimination
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is primarily eliminated in the urine, with less than 2% being eliminated in the feces.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is one tablet with or without food once daily. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and do not skip doses. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible, and if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.
Administration
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is taken orally. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and do not skip doses. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and rash. Other more serious side effects may include changes in kidney function or an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Toxicity
The maximum recommended dose of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is one tablet once daily. Taking more than the recommended dose can increase the risk of toxicity, including kidney and liver damage. Immediate medical attention should be sought if an overdose is suspected.
Precaution
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir should not be used in patients who have an allergy to emtricitabine, tenofovir, or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablets. Patients with kidney disease or certain liver diseases should use this medication with caution. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant before taking this medication.
Interaction
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can interact with other medications, such as anticonvulsants, certain antibiotics, HIV protease inhibitors, hepatitis B virus medications, and certain antifungal medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting treatment with Emtricitabine/Tenofovir.
Disease Interaction
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can interact with certain diseases, such as kidney disease and certain liver diseases. If you have any chronic medical conditions, it is important to tell your doctor before starting treatment.
Drug Interaction
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can interact with other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting treatment, including any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements.
Food Interactions
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir can interact with certain foods. It is important to tell your doctor about any potential food interactions before starting treatment.
Pregnancy Use
It is unknown if Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is safe for use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their healthcare provider.
Lactation Use
It is unknown if Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is safe for use during breastfeeding. Women who are breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their healthcare provider.
Acute Overdose
If an overdose of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and irregular or slow heartbeat.
Contraindication
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir should not be used if you have an allergy to emtricitabine, tenofovir, or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablets. Patients with kidney disease or certain liver diseases should also not use this medication.
Use Direction
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir should be taken with or without food as directed by your doctor. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not skip doses. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible, and if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.
Storage Condition
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir should be stored at room temperature away from light, heat, and moisture. It should also be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is 27 L.
Half Life
The half life of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is approximately 10 to 13 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is 26 to 34 ml/min.
Here you find in details version of Truvada